Monarchs Prevail in OT, 5-4

November 20, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


Lowell, Mass. - Jeff Tambellini's power play goal at 2:46 of overtime lifted the Manchester Monarchs (10-3-0-2) to a 5-4 victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters (9-7-1-2) at Tsongas Arena on Sunday.

Lowell appeared to take the lead 7:48 into the game when Colin Forbes batted a fluttering puck into the net. But it was waved off with the ruling that it was hit with a high stick. Later in the period it was Manchester that would get the first goal of the contest. Mark Ardelan buried his second of the season at 13:38, just 18 seconds after being freed from the penalty box. Right off a face off in the Monsters zone, the Monarchs made it 2-0 just over two minutes later. Brad Smyth slipped the puck past an outstretched Vitaly Kolesnik, and the Monarchs held the 2-0 lead after one.

Lowell had four power play opportunities in the first seven minutes of the middle stanza, including a brief two-man advantage as well. Paul Healey put the Monsters on the board when he converted his second power play goal of the season at 6:32. But Manchester quickly regained the two-goal lead just 1:50 later. Smyth tallied his second of the night at 8:22 to make it 3-1. Lowell had another two-man advantage later in the period, for a full two minutes, and Healey connected again. His one-timer from the left circle found the top shelf and once again cut the Monarchs lead to one. Just 1:22 later, the lead was erased. Keith Aucoin picked up his team-leading ninth of the season to make it 3-3. He and Forbes were left alone down low and the Monarchs turned the puck over near the blueline. Forbes set him up for the equalizer at 15:48.

Manchester had several opportunities to take the lead early in the third, but one shot from the right point rang off the post, and Kolesnik stoned Connor James on a breakaway. Noah Clarke, however, put the Monarchs back in front with an unassisted effort, tucking in his own rebound at 9:47. But the Monsters didn't go quietly. Chad Larose notched his ninth of the season with 2:19 left in regulation to tie the score again and force overtime.

In overtime, the Monarchs prevailed. One of Lowell's heroes on the night, Paul Healey, was assessed a five minute major for high sticking when he clipped Connor James in the face. And on the power play, Manchester's sustained pressure led to the game winner. Jeff Tambellini blasted home his 11th of the campaign to provide the final margin.

The Lock Monsters are teaming up with the Lowell Sun to give one fans the chance to win $25,000 at the next Lock Monsters home game, next Friday, November 25th against Springfield. If Lowell scores eight goals, one fan in attendance will win the cash. The eight goal stipulation is in honor of the Monsters eighth season in the Merrimack Valley, and is also the team record. The Monsters season-high so far in 05-06 is seven in a 7-3 victory over Springfield in October.

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.

Individual tickets 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. Full season, 20-game, mini-plans and Flex Packs are now on sale as well; contact the Lock Monsters ticket office at (978) 458-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.



American Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2005


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