Monsters battle, but fall in shootout to Pirates, 3-2

Published on February 15, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


Portland, Maine - The Lowell Lock Monsters (20-26-4-5) twice fought back from one-goal deficits, but fell to the Portland Pirates (32-13-5-3) 3-2 in the shootout at the Cumberland County Civic Center on Wednesday night.

Lowell was strong defensively in the opening period, allowing just five shots on goal while countering with nine of their own. Goalies Craig Kowalski for the Monsters and Deiter Kochan for the Pirates kept the game scoreless through 20 minutes. Simon Ferguson drew first blood for Portland during the second period. He snapped a 10-game scoreless drought with his sixth of the season at 11:49. It was the only tally of the middle frame, though Kowalski was tested as he faced 16 shots. Only five penalties had been called through the first 40 minutes.

It didn't take long for David Gove to tie the game for the Monsters. His 13th of the season came just 1:19 into the third period to breathe life into Lowell. Newcomer Leon Hayward picked up the lone assist in his first game with the Monsters, recently added from Columbia in the ECHL. But Joel Perrault picked up his ninth goal of the season later in the frame to regain the lead for the Pirates. The Monsters once again tied the game, with just 3:43 remaining in regulation. Andrew Ladd potted his ninth of the season with a power play goal to make it 2-2 and force extra time.

Outshot 3-1 in the overtime period, the Monsters were forced to kill off a late penalty as well, and headed into the shootout. The goaltenders shined in the shootout, taking it to seven rounds. Kochan allowed just one goal to Paul Healey, while the Pirates lit the lamp twice on Kowalski to earn the extra point and keep the Monsters winless in their last five (0-4-0-1).

They return to Tsongas Arena on Friday, February 17th against the league-leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Game time is 7:35 p.m. On Sunday, February 19th they host the Springfield Falcons for a 4:05 p.m. contest.

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 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 with the Voice of the Monsters, Ryan Johnston.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2006


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