Monsters Blank Pirates 4-0
Published on November 4, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
Lowell, Mass. - Keith Aucoin put up four assists and Vitaly Kolesnik turned aside 27 shots for his first pro shutout in North America as the Lowell Lock Monsters (6-4-0-0) defeated the Portland Pirates (6-3-0-0) 4-0 at the Tsongas Arena on Friday night. The Lock Monsters moved into a tie for second in the Atlantic with the win.
Lowell dominated the play early, taking a 7-0 lead in shots in the first four minutes and controlling the tempo. They earned a power play and eventually the lead. Just five seconds into the man advantage, D Johnny Boychuk's slap shot slipped by Pirates G Mike Wall off the right post to make it 1-0 at 4:17. The quick-moving first period remained 1-0, with the Lock Monsters leading in shots 14-8.
Lowell pushed in front by a 2-0 margin early in the second frame. D Jeff Finger's wrist shot from the left slot found the back of the net at 3:01 to extend the advantage. The Monsters immediately went on the defensive, however, being called for back-to-back penalties. But the Lowell killed both off, with a little help from Kolesnik, to hold the lead. Eventually Portland earned some time in the box and the Monsters gained a two-man advantage during the final minute of the second. Keith Aucoin picked up his third assist of the night when Andrew Ladd buried his feed just off the right post to make it 3-0, and that's how the period ended.
Aucoin boosted his night with his fourth assist of the game, finding Chad Larose in front of a gaping wide open net for his team-leading sixth goal of the campaign. All of Larose's six tallies have come in the last five games, and Aucoin is the first Lock Monster to record more than two points in a contest this season. For Kolesnik, his lowest save total in a game all season was good enough for the shutout, and he won his fourth consecutive start, stalling Portland's five-game winning streak in the process.
The Monsters head to Portland on Saturday night, with the action carried live on 980 WCAP with the "Voice of the Lock Monsters" Ryan Johnston. On Sunday the Lock Monsters play host to the Norfolk Admirals at 4:05 p.m. The first 500 kids 12 and under will get a free Lock Monsters autograph book. After the game, they can put those books to use with a team autograph session, open to everyone in attendance. Every Sunday home game is also a Louie's Little Monsters Kid's Club game, sponsored by Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union. Sunday's are also Family Four-Pack Day, where fans can buy 4 tickets, 4 scrumptious hot dogs and 4 refreshing Pepsis for only $49.
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 4, 2005
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