Pielmeier, Special Teams Lift Devils to Victory

Published on February 11, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For the second-straight game the Albany Devils relied on special teams and for the second-straight game they skated away with a victory.

Vladimir Zharkov scored shorthanded and Stephane Veilleux tallied on the power play, helping the Devils (21-18-5-2) to a 4-1 win against the Syracuse Crunch (19-21-4-3) Saturday at the Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter. Mattias Tedenby and Nathan Perkovich were Albany's other goal scorers, netting an even-strength tally and an empty-net goal, respectively.

"It's not just about scoring goals, it's also not giving them up on the penalty kill," said head coach Rick Kowalsky. "We talked about urgency and desperation and we took advantage on the power play and got some gritty efforts on the PK. It adds to the momentum."

The Devils penalty kill was a perfect 4-for-4, improving Albany's record to 10-4-1-2 when holding their opponent scoreless with the man advantage.

Former Crunch goaltender turned Devil Timo Pielmeier earned his first victory in his first start of the season. Pielmeier, who was acquired by the Devils on Dec. 12, made 37 stops.

"Every once in a while you get those situations that are unique," Kowalsky said of his decision to start Pielmeier. "We knew we wanted to give Keith [Kinkaid] a rest -- not knowing what [Jeff] Frazee's situation was -- plus it's the most travel we've had. The stars aligned and we were able to give him the start against his old team in a building he knew. I thought he did great tonight and everyone is happy for him."

After falling behind 1-0 after the first 1:33, the Devils tied the game on a mishap by Crunch netminder Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers. As Tim Sestito pressured shorthanded, Deslauriers wandered from his net, retrieved the puck and attempted to wrap it around the end boards. Fortunately for Zharkov, the puck deflected off the post and shot into the slot at 7:43 of the second.

"Plays like that happen," Kowalsky said. "It is a momentum changer, but at that point of the game, I was fine with where we were at as a team. I thought after that goal on we grabbed control and really took charge."

Albany took the advantage at 12:01 of the same period. Operating the power play, Mike Sislo received a pass from Eric Gelinas at the top of the left circle. Sislo kept a shot low, allowing Veilleux to redirect the shot through the legs of Deslauriers.

Tedenby provided an insurance goal at 3:17 of the third after Peter Harrold sprung him for a breakaway.

Perkovich's empty-net tally came with 32 seconds remaining.

The Devils two games streak has included eight goals, including three power-play goals, two empty-net goals, a shorthanded tally, a 5-on-5 goal and a 4-on-4 marker.

Syracuse's lone goal was scored by Kyle Palmieri. Deslauriers finished the game with 31 saves.

The Devils complete their three-in-three weekend with a 4:05 p.m. outing at Providence. Fans can listen on 104.5 "The Team" ESPN Radio or online at ahllive.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 11, 2012


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