Vasyunov Paces Devils To Victory

Published on December 31, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - Alexander Vasyunov had four points, including the game-winning goal, to lead the Albany Devils to a 5-4 victory against the Binghamton Senators Friday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Vasyunov had two goals and two assists for the best showing by a Devil this season and was one point shy of tying the program record for points in a game.

Joining Vasyunov with a multi-point effort was Michael Swift, who had a goal and an assist. His showing pulled his career total to 100 points in 159 contests. He also extended his scoring streak (4g-3a) to six games - the longest by any Devil this season.

Vasyunov had a hand on the last three Devils' goals. First he found Stephen Gionta to make it 3-3 with 2:31 remaining in the second. Next, Vasyunov setup Darcy Zajac's first-career goal, which gave Albany a 4-3 lead with 17:49 left. Vasyunov then netted the eventual game-winner, making the score 5-3, with 5:20 remaining while on the power play.

The Devils will enter 2011 with a 13-17-0-2 record, while the Senators stand at 15-15-2-2.

Vasyunov started the scoring 4:10 into the first period. After receiving a pass from Swift, the Russian streaked down the left side and snuck a shot through the body of Senators' goaltender Barry Brust. It was the 16th time this season the Devils scored the first goal of the game.

Exactly eight minutes later at 12:10, Binghamton pulled things even thanks to a goal by Ryan Keller.

Moments later, Swift found himself on the score sheet again while on the power play. Matt Anderson found Chad Wiseman for a blast from the point. Swift got his stick on the puck, redirecting it into the back of the net at 12:52 for his 10th goal of the season.

In response, Kaspars Daugavins and Bobby Butler gave the Senators their first lead of the game. Daugavins scored with the man advantage at 1:50 of the second period and Butler made it 3-2 with another power-play goal at 10:32.

Zajac and Vasyunov scored back-to-back goals in the third and Binghamton's Colin Greening made things interesting with a goal with 2:39 remaining.

In goal, Mike McKenna held on for the victory between the pipes. He made 28 saves, including 10 in the third period. Brust was credited with the loss despite making 34 stops.

The Devils went 2-for-9 on the power-play, while the Senators were 2-for-4.

The Devils will play the second game of its three-in-three at Adirondack on Saturday, Jan. 1. The game marks the fourth round of the Time Warner Cable Cup series, which Albany currently leads, 2-1. The game, which was originally scheduled to be broadcasted on 104.5 PM "The Team" ESPN Radio, will only be available online at AHLLive.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central