Lowell struggles through winless week
March 13, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
Rewind:
Wednesday, Hershey 3 vs. Monsters 1
Joey Tenute scored in the third period to snap a tie score, and Hershey added an empty netter to pace a 3-1 win over the Monsters at Tsongas Arena. Craig Kowalski stopped 30 shots in the game for Lowell, and Keith Aucoin notched his 24th tally of the season in the loss.
Friday, Bruins 4 vs. Monsters 1
Eric Healey scored the first goal of the game and the last goal of the game as the Bruins downed Lowell 4-1 on Friday in Providence. It was the third straight head-to-head victory by the Bruins, as they kept their distance on the Monsters. Scott Kelman scored the only goal for Lowell.
Saturday, River Rats 3 vs. Monsters 2
Paul Healey scored in the first period to give the visiting Monsters a lead after the opening frame, but Albany reeled off three straight goals to lead to victory on Saturday. Another tally by Healey late in the game gave Lowell hope, as did a two-man advantage in the final minute of play, but the Monsters couldn't tie the score and fell 3-2.
Sunday, Falcons 4 vs. Monsters 3, shootout
Trailing 3-1 early in the second period, Lowell rallied to tie the game and force extra time. Eventually, however, Springfield saved the victory by outscoring the Monsters 2-1 in the shootout and claiming the win. Keith Aucoin, John Morlang and Scott Kelman all scored for Lowell, and Aucoin added the only shootout tally for the home team.
Where we stand
Lowell stumbled in their bid to catch Providence in the playoff race, and have slipped to 11 points behind the Bruins in the Atlantic (and 11 points behind Bridgeport as well, who is in fourth place in the East). The Monsters have 13 games left to go in the regular season.
Monsters Memos
- Keith Aucoin had 2g-2a this week, to pull just three points behind Eric Staal's team record of 77, set last season. He is one point behind Chuck Kobasew's second-highest point total in team history, also set last season. His 25g-49a-74pts have exactly matched his personal bests, established in 2002-03 with Providence.
- Paul Healey is gunning for the 6th 20-goal season of his AHL career. His two goals on Saturday gave him 19 on the season. He has scored 204 goals in the AHL.
- The Monsters 15-game streak with a power play goal ended on Wednesday night against Hershey. They had scored 25 power play goals during that stretch, including three games with more than one PPG.
- Lowell has lost 305 man games to injury this season. Between injuries and call-ups, the Monsters have used 51 players this season.
- D Anton Babchuk was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday morning. He had 1g-3a-4pts in five games with the Monsters with three points on the power play.
Leaders
Goals Aucoin (25)
Assists Aucoin (49)
Points Aucoin (74)
PIM Finger (105)
Plus/Minus Hajt, Peat (+1)
Coming Up:
The Monsters have a pair of road games next Friday (Springfield) and Saturday (Manchester) before hosting Manchester on Sunday, March 19th. Game time is 4:05 p.m. That day is Guns âN Hoses night with the Monsters and the doors will open at a special time, two hours before game time. Check out the battle on the ice between the Mass. State Police and the Manchester P.D. Plus, the first 1,500 fans will get a free Lock Monsters puck!
Sundays are Family Four Pack games, featuring 4 tickets, 4 scrumptious hot dogs and 4 refreshing Pepsis for just $49. In addition, everyone in attendance is welcome to hit the ice for a free post-game skate. Complimentary skate rental is available, or fans can bring their own to the game.
Individual tickets start at $10 and are on sale now at the Tsongas Arena box office, which is open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Flex Packs and group outings are on sale now; contact the Lock Monsters ticket office at (978) 458-PUCK (7825) for more information.
All games home and away can be heard live on 980 WCAP, and viewed through B2 Networks, the official broadband provider of the AHL, with the "Voice of the Lock Monsters" Ryan Johnston. Log on to www.lockmonsters.com to watch or listen online.
Last Week:
Wed 3/8 Hershey 3 vs. LOCK MONSTERS 1
Fri 3/10 PROVIDENCE 4 vs. Lock Monsters 1
Sat 3/11 ALBANY 3 vs. Lock Monsters 2
Sun 3/12 Springfield 4 vs. LOCK MONSTERS 3, SO
This Week:
Fri 3/17 Lock Monsters @ Springfield, 7:35 p.m.
Sat 3/18 Lock Monsters @ Manchester, 2:05 p.m.
Sun 3/19 LOCK MONSTERS vs. Manchester, 4:05 p.m. at Tsongas Arena
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