-Albany returns from the All Star Break with a 20-14-4-5 mark, good for 49 points and 4th place in the Northeast Division (9th in the Eastern Conference).
-On Monday, Tim Sestito was placed on waivers by New Jersey. Tuesday he cleared and was returned to Albany. He appeared in 15 games with two assists and 33 penalty minutes.
-The AHL announced Wednesday that defenseman Seth Helgeson will sit out Thursday’s game in Lehigh Valley due to suspension, thanks to an elbowing incident in Worcester on Friday night.
-Defenseman Mike Keenan, on a PTO since December 4th, was officially signed to an AHL contract on Wednesday. He has one assist in 15 games and 15 penalty minutes.
1/29, Game #44 at Lehigh Valley
Where: PPL Center, Allentown, PA.
When: 7:00 PM.
Season Series: Albany leads 3-0.
Standings:
Lehigh Valley: 20-16-4-1, 45 points, 3rd place in East Division
Phantoms Leading Scorers/Goaltending:
Nick Cousins, 30 points (13 G, 17 A); Brandon Manning, 26 points (7 G, 19 A); Andrew Gordon, 25 points (13 G, 12 A)
Rob Zepp, 11-5-4, 2.57 GAA; Anthony Stolarz, 6-9-1, 2.91 GAA
Notes:
-The Phantoms broke a 3 game losing streak just before the break with a win at home against St. John’s on Saturday.
-Lehigh Valley is also starting a 3 in 3 week, hosting Hershey on Friday before traveling to Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
-The Phantoms got a boost in goal when Philadelphia sent Rob Zepp back on Wednesday.
Season Series: First 2 meetings of 4. Future matchups: March 6th & 7th @ St. John’s
Standings:
St. John’s: 18-21-5-1, 40 points, 5th place in Atlantic Division
IceCaps Leading Scorers/Goaltending:
John Albert, 28 points (10 G, 18 A); Carl Klingberg, 26 points (14 G, 12 A); Chase Balisy, 25 points (10 G, 15 A)
Connor Hellebuyck, 18-13-2, 2.48 GAA; Peter Budaj, 0-7-4, 3.69 GAA
Notes:
-This is a rematch of last year’s first round Calder Cup playoff series, won by the IceCaps in 4 games. They would make it all the way to the Calder Cup Finals before losing to Texas in 5 games.
-The IceCaps are finishing off a 5 game road swing, so far going 1-2 against East Division opponents with their only win in Binghamton on Friday evening.
-Connor Hellebuyck, the lone St. John’s representative at Monday’s AHL All Star Classic, got the starting nod for the Eastern Conference and stopped 9 of 13 West shots in his one period of work.
-Local ties: Former River Rats forward Nicolas Blanchard is in his first season with St. John’s and first outside of the Carolina organization.
-The first 1500 in attendance on Saturday get their very own Dan Kelly bobblehead doll.
Hard to believe, but the All Star weekend in Utica is over.
This was my first time going to any All Star event at any level, and it was an awesome experience. Always fun to visit with friends from around the league and see players I never get to see live (translation: anyone in the Western Conference not a Comet or a Flame). Without further delay, let’s recap the last two days!
Both teams split the four rounds of the Puck Control Relay. Joe Whitney was part of the second heat, which the West won.
In the second event for Fastest Skater, Manchester’s Colin Miller won the individual title with a time of 13.805 seconds. The West won the team average title at 13.9 seconds.
The West goaltending dominated during the Rapid Fire competition, as goaltenders Richard Bachman (Oklahoma City), Jacob Markstrom (Utica) and Magnus Hellberg (Milwaukee) combined for 23 saves over 30 chances. In the final heat, Utica’s Bobby Sanguinetti owned St. John’s goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, burying 4 out of 5 shots on net to the delight of the hometown crowd.
The East took the Hardest Shot round, thanks to a new AHL All Star record off the stick of Miller, who registered a shot of 105.5 MPH. His three shots on net all broke 103 easily.
Paul Thompson took part in the Accuracy Shooting, getting all 4 targets on 8 attempts. Hartford’s Chris Bourque and Texas’s Maxime Fortunus tied with 4 targets out of 6 attempts. The West took the team point by hitting 14 targets out of 30 chances.
In the Pass and Score Competition, Whitney and Thompson teamed up with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Derrick Pouliot, but were unable to get the puck past Bachman. The East took the round by scoring 4 times over 6 heats.
The East clinched the competition during the Breakaway Relay, scoring 5 goals over three rounds. Thompson and Whitney were shut out on their attempts. Hellebuyck and Manchester’s J.F. Berube stopped all 6 of their attempts to clinch the win.
Colin Miller (Manchester) receiving his awards.Post Skills, everyone was signing by the boards. Nice touch.
Before the actual game on Monday, the State of the League address took place at Turning Stone. Full audio from the Power Play Post Show can be found here. The Times Union has a brief summary of topics, such as the rumored Pacific Division and schedule adjustments.
Things got off to a good start for the East, as Portland’s Brendan Shinnimin got the first goal of the evening. But the West would rattle off three straight tallies, off the sticks of Rockford’s Mark McNeill, Milwaukee’s Brendan Leipsic, and Hamilton’s Charles Hudon. Shinnimin would add his second to get back to within one, only to have Chicago’s Ty Rattie restore the two goal lead as the period ended. But the star was the hometown goalie, Jacob Markstrom, as he stopped 16 of 18 shots, with some just point blank robbery.
First intermission entertainment: mascot broomball!
Second period was all about the offense, as both teams combined for 12 goals. The East would score the first four to take a 6-4 lead, as Springfield’s Austin Madaisky, Joe Whitney, Providence’s Alexander Khokhlachev, and Bourque all connected. But not to be outdone, the West would score six straight to go up 10-6. Hudon would get the hat trick, McNeill and Leipsic each had their second, and Rockford’s T.J. Brennan and Grand Rapids’ Teemu Pulkkinen scored one each. But the East wasn’t done quite yet, as Binghamton’s Shane Prince and Manchester’s Jordan Weal got on the board to make it a 2 goal West lead going into the third. Rochester’s Phil Varone was awarded a penalty shot late, but was denied.
Second intermission: Mascot danceoff, aka the Tux invitational.
In the third, Prince (with his second) and Adirondack’s Emile Poirier traded goals early on. Then, a second penalty shot was called, and Norfolk’s Chris Wagner connected to bring the East back to within one goal. But Leipsic and McNeill would each complete their hat tricks to make it a 13-10 contest. The other Adirondack representative, Drew Shore, would score the 14th goal for the West. Prince would complete the hat trick late in the period and Syracuse’s Jonathan Marchessault would get the final goal to finish off a very offensive game (but aren’t all All Star games like that?). The East outshot the West by an astonishing 59-40 margin.
Your co-MVPs: Utica’s Jacob Markstrom and Hamilton’s Charles Hudon.
Whitney finished with a goal on one shot and a -3. Thompson had one assist, two shots and a -3 rating, as both he and Whitney were on the same line (why break up a good thing?). Shinnimin lead all skaters with 10 shots on goal, he just could not get that third goal after a strong first period. The 26 combined goals were an All Star record.
Thanks to the Utica Comets, the AHL, and everyone else involved for an awesome two days and a great first time experience for me! Even got in my first ever visit to Turning Stone (on Sunday night for the Post Skills party). Hopefully it’s a close location next season so I can travel there and do it again.
And a few more photos from the two days:
East Captain Tom Kostopoulos (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) being interviewed on ice during Monday’s gameThe captains and AHL president Dave Andrews with the ceremonial puck drop.Thompson, Whitney, and Chris Bourque
But a streak did continue for the Devils this week leading up to the All Star break…a 2-0-1 week extended their point streak to 6 games, keeping them in the playoff race.
Wednesday: A wrong was made right, as Paul Thompson was named as a last minute replacement to the AHL All Star team.
It was off to The Rock, otherwise known as Prudential Center, in Newark as the Devils played host to Bridgeport. And the home team got off to a fast start, as Ben Thomson and Paul Thompson (on a power play) scored 1:02 apart midway through the first period for a 2-0 advantage. John Persson would cut the lead in half with a power play tally of his own, the first Albany penalty of the night. The Devils turned it up in the second, as Stefan Matteau (power play) and Thompson would get his second of the game to make it a 4-1 lead, chasing Kevin Poulin out of the Bridgeport net in favor of David Leggio. The switch gave Bridgeport a little momentum, as Persson would score his second of the game 30 seconds later to make it 4-2. Colin McDonald would add a shorthanded goal late in the period to make things interesting. But Joe Whitney, in his first game back after being sent down by New Jersey, would get an insurance goal, the third power play goal of the evening, early in the third to seal the win. Scott Clemmensen stopped 31 of 34 shots in net and picked up his 4th win. Reece Scarlett had his second straight career game, picking up 3 assists and earning first star honors. Mike Sislo and Kelly Zajac had two helpers each, while Darcy Zajac, Seth Helgeson, and Whitney each had one assist.
It was due east to Worcester on Friday night, as the Devils visited the Sharks for the first time this season. And it was going to be a challenge: Worcester was working on an 8 game winning streak, and also just received the services of Tomas Hertl from San Jose with the NHL on All Star Break. Well, challenge accepted. Joe Whitney would get Albany on the board first with his 16th goal of the season. David Wohlberg would follow up late with a laser shot of his own, his fourth. All that on just five shots against Sharks goaltender J.P. Anderson. Albany locked it down in the second, only allowing two shots and adding to the lead on a Brandon Burlon goal. But Worcester was not about to go away quietly…on one of those shots Mirco Mueller would score on a power play to break up the shutout. Things nearly got out of hand in the third defensively for Albany…Worcester doubled up their entire shot goal for the game (13 compared to 7 over the first two periods), and Evan Trupp would score to make it 3-2. But at the end of it all, the Devils would hang on for dear life and escape with the win, extending their point streak to 5 games and ending Worcester’s winning streak. Maxime Clermont earned his third win in net, stopping 18 of 20 shots. Burlon and 5 other Devils each had assists.
Highlights:
Lines:
Joe Whitney-Kelly Zajac-Paul Thompson
Reid Boucher-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Chris McKelvie-Rod Pelley-Ben Johnson
Stefan Matteau-David Wohlberg-Ben Thomson
Extra: Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Cam Janssen, Alexandre Carrier
16 hours after the final whistle in Worcester, the two teams met again in Albany to complete the home and home and kick off a Capital Region hockey doubleheader at the TU Center. Things got hairy very early on…as in during pregame warmup:
But, peace was soon restored, and pregame continued on. Unlike the night before, it was the Sharks who came out flying in the first, outshooting Albany 16-7. But nothing was getting by Scott Wedgewood, or his counterpart J.P. Anderson for that matter. The scoreless trend continued into the second…until Gus Young broke the tie with less than a minute remaining in the period. Albany would finally get on the board with just over four minutes remaining in regulation, thanks to a power play goal by Paul Thompson, his 22nd. The game carried into overtime, where during the three on three portion Dylan DeMelo would get the game winner past Wedgewood, giving the Sharks the extra point and another Albany overtime disappointment. Wedgewood played extremely well in taking the hard luck loss, stopping 38 of 40 shots. The top line of Thompson, Joe Whitney, and Kelly Zajac had all the Albany offense. And it was a good day at the gate, as a season high 7012 fans were in attendance thanks to Kids in Free Day.
Highlights:
Lines:
Joe Whitney-Kelly Zajac-Paul Thompson
Reid Boucher-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Stefan Matteau-David Wohlberg-Ben Johnson
Chris McKelvie-Rod Pelley-Ben Thomson
Extra: Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Cam Janssen, Alexandre Carrier
Defense:
Corbin McPherson/Mike Keenan
Seth Helgeson/Reece Scarlett
Brandon Burlon/Dan Kelly
Extra: Raman Hrabarenka, Joe Faust
Pop Quiz: Since the AHL brought back the All Star Classic in the 1994-95 season, which year did Albany have the most representation? The answer upcoming.
Obligatory Fight of the Week:
There was one fight, but video proof has yet to surface. Stay tuned…
My Player of the Week:
A very good week for Paul Thompson, as he gets a better late than never All Star nod and scores three times, taking over the league goal scoring lead.
Team Leaders:
Goals: Paul Thompson (22)
Assists: Joe Whitney (21)
Points: Joe Whitney (37)
+/-: Paul Thompson (+14)
Penalty Minutes: Dan Kelly (78)
Wins: Scott Wedgewood (6)
GAA: Maxime Clermont (2.34)
Save Percentage: Scott Clemmensen (.912)
ECHL Update:
Myles Bell (Evansville): 26 GP, 8 G, 7 A, 15 Pts, -9, 17 PIM
Eric Baier (Orlando): 19 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 Pts, +5, 11 PIM
On Wednesday, Bell scored twice, including the eventual game winner, as the ECHL All Stars defeated Orlando 8-4 in Florida. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Baier registered a first period assist for Orlando.
Injury Update: No timetable for Scott Timmins (ankle), Graham Black (wrist), Cam Janssen (upper body). Raman Hrabarenka (cheekbone) is still practicing, but no word on his return.
This Week’s Schedule:
While Joe Whitney and Paul Thompson head to Utica for All Star festivities, the rest of the Devils get a 4 day break. But it’s back to work Thursday, as Albany travels to Allentown to take on the Phantoms for the last time this season. Then it’s back to home ice on Friday and Saturday for a two game set with St. John’s, a rematch of last year’s first round Calder Cup playoff series.
And I’ll be in Utica for both All Star events as well, my first time ever going! I do plan on a post midweek wrapping up the skills competition on Sunday night and the game on Monday.
Pop Quiz Answer: A total of 5 players represented the River Rats at the 1998 All Star Classic in Syracuse, when Canadian-born players were pitted against those born in the US and Europe: Brendan Morrison, Peter Zezel, and Geordie Kinnear represented the Canadian All Stars, while Jay Pandolfo and Vlastimil Kroupa represented PlanetUSA. The Canadian All Stars defeated PlanetUSA 11-10.
-Albany begins the week with a 18-14-3-5 record, good for 44 points and 4th place in the Northeast Division (8th in the Eastern Conference).
-With New Jersey starting their All Star Break on Tuesday, Joe Whitney has been sent back to Albany. In his latest callup he appeared in two games and was scoreless. In turn, Myles Bell was returned to Evansville, where he will particpate in tonight’s ECHL All Star Game in Orlando. He was recalled on December 30th but never saw game action.
1/21, Game #41 vs. Bridgeport
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.
When: 7:30 PM.
Season Series: Bridgeport leads 5-4.
Standings:
Bridgeport: 19-16-4-1, 43 points, 5th place in Northeast Division
Sound Tigers Leading Scorers/Goaltending:
3 players with 32 points
Kevin Poulin, 13-8-5, 2.39 GAA; David Leggio, 6-8-0, 3.74 GAA
Notes:
-Bridgeport is coming off a 1-1-1 weekend, losing to Providence in overtime then splitting a 2 game set with Syracuse on home ice.
-After seeing the Sound Tigers for nearly 1/3 of the first half, this is the final regular season matchup between the two teams.
-This is Albany’s third visit to New Jersey for a home game this season. They won the first two in Atlantic City against Lehigh Valley on November 28th and December 14th.
-This is also the first appearance for a Devil AHL team in Prudential Center since February 3, 2010, when Lowell dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Hartford. The goal scorers that night? Tim Sestito and Nathan Perkovich. Current Portland goaltender Mike McKenna took the loss in net.
-The Sharks start the week the hottest team in the AHL, rattling off seven straight wins. They travel to Portland on Wednesday before the weekend series with the Devils.
-Local ties: Former Devils defenseman Matt Taormina is the Sharks’ lone AHL All Star representative. Troy Grosenick, former Union goaltender, is in his second professional season.
-Saturday is a busy day in downtown Albany for the home half of the series: it’s GE Kids in Free Day and Devil Dawg’s birthday (meaning multiple mascots around the building). It’s also the first half of a hockey doubleheader at the Times Union Center, as RPI takes on Union for the annual Mayor’s Cup in the nightcap.
The way things had started in all three games for the Devils this week, this potentially could have been a disastrous recap.
But finally doing something that hadn’t happened all season–coming back when trailing after two periods–in back to back games helped springboard Albany to a 5 out of 6 point week, a very nice recovery, getting them out of the Northeast Division basement and back in the playoff race.
The week began with the back end of a home and home series against the first place Falcons. A rematch in net between Scott Wedgewood and All Star Anton Forsberg started out the same way as Sunday in Massachusetts, keeping both teams off the scoreboard in the first period. Kerby Rychel put the visitors on the board with just over three minutes remaining in the second. And that looked like all Forsberg would need, as he cruised into the third period. But then something miraculous happened. With Wedgewood pulled for the extra attacker, Paul Thompson would find the back of the net with just 56.8 seconds to go in regulation, tying the game up and getting Albany at least one very important standings point. Just as both teams switched over to 3 on 3 during overtime, Dan Kelly (originally credited to Darcy Zajac) managed to poke the puck past Forsberg, giving Albany an improbable come from behind win, their first all season when trailing after two periods. Wedgewood played well in net, stopping 29 of 30 shots and picking up his sixth win. Four Devils added assists.
Highlights:
Lines:
Reid Boucher-Kelly Zajac-Paul Thompson
Ben Thomson-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Stefan Matteau-David Wohlberg-Chris McKelvie
Ben Johnson-Rod Pelley-Cam Janssen
Extra: Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Myles Bell, Alexandre Carrier
Defense:
Seth Helgeson/Reece Scarlett
Dan Kelly/Joe Faust
Brandon Burlon/Corbin McPherson
Extra: Raman Hrabarenka, Eric Baier, Mike Keenan
Friday: Good news and bad news for Eric Baier. Good: His PTO turned into an AHL contract for the remainder of the season. Bad: With Seth Helgeson back on the roster, he was reassigned to Orlando. In 12 games he had one goal (in his season debut on November 23rd) and two assists, finishing at a -3.
It was off to Allentown to start a two game Pennsylvania road swing, as the Devils visited the Phantoms for the first time in the regular season (if you recall, they traveled there in the preseason, skating away with a victory on October 4th). Albany was lucky to escape the first period without giving up a goal, getting outshot 10-5 and having to kill off 3 separate power plays. During a 4 on 4 early in the second, Nick Cousins would get a goal just over the glove of Scott Clemmensen to put the hosts up 1-0. Albany did wake up a little in the second with 19 shots on goal, but nothing got past rookie goaltender Anthony Stolarz. But the rally began in the third, thanks to more whistles. Just after a power play expired, Rod Pelley would tie the game up at 1. Midway through the period, just 23 seconds into another power play, Paul Thompson would put the visitors ahead with his 19th of the season. But Andrew Gordon would re-tie the game just over a minute later. Then on power play #9 of the night, Stefan Matteau would score the go ahead goal for a 3-2 win. Scott Clemmensen stopped 32 of 34 shots in picking up his third win, his first since returning from the mumps, and even got an assist. Albany went 2 for 10 on the power play and killed off all 7 shorthanded situations. Matteau, Dan Kelly, Reece Scarlett, Seth Helgeson, and David Wohlberg all had helpers.
Highlights:
Lines:
Stefan Matteau-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Reid Boucher-Kelly Zajac-Paul Thompson
Alexandre Carrier-Rod Pelley-Ben Thomson
Chris McKelvie-David Wohlberg-Cam Janssen
Extra: Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Ben Johnson, Myles Bell
It was off to Chocolatetown for the first time this season as Albany faced off against the Bears. And things didn’t get off to a great start–Casey Wellman scored just 10 seconds into the contest. Tomas Kundratek would add a power play goal three minutes later, putting the visitors in a very early hole. But Albany would rally to tie it up on a Stefan Matteau power play goal (his second in two games) and Reece Scarlett’s first goal of the season (doing his best Eric Gelinas impression in the process). The Bears would retake the lead on a Stanislav Galiev goal. Did I mention this was all during the first period? The back and forth continued during the second period, as the Devils rallied yet again. Darcy Zajac would score his 4th on a power play to re-tie the game, only to have Chris Conner take the lead back on a power play breakaway chance. But on a 5 on 3 opportunity, Reid Boucher would tie things up again with his 11th. Things would get quite physical after that, as both Chris McKelvie (two fighting majors) and Dan Kelly (elbowing major) all were tossed from the game, while Seth Helgeson (continuing altercation) spent most of the third in the penalty box. Albany did manage to kill off the five minute major midway through the third, and made it to overtime. But a perfect week was not in the cards. With Rod Pelley in the penalty box on a questionable slashing call, Galiev (on his birthday no less) would score the game winner in a 4 on 3 situation with 3:14 remaining in overtime to give the Bears the extra point. Scott Wedgewood recovered from a shaky first to stop 24 of 29 shots. Scarlett added two assists, while Matteau and three others each had helpers. Both teams combined for 113 penalty minutes, with Albany amassing a season high of 65.
Highlights:
Lines:
Stefan Matteau-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Reid Boucher-Kelly Zajac-Paul Thompson
Ben Johnson-Rod Pelley-Ben Thomson
Chris McKelvie-David Wohlberg-Cam Janssen
Extra: Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Myles Bell, Alexandre Carrier
Defense:
Seth Helgeson/Reece Scarlett
Corbin McPherson/Mike Keenan
Brandon Burlon/Dan Kelly
Extra: Raman Hrabarenka, Joe Faust
Pop Quiz: In the Albany Devil era, what is the biggest deficit the team has faced before coming from behind to win? The answer coming up.
Obligatory Fight of the Week:
Darcy Zajac reminding everyone of the old Albany-Adirondack days with this one.
My Player of the Week:
Nice to finally see Stefan Matteau have a breakout week. Assist on the game winning goal on Wednesday, followed up by multi point efforts in both road contests, including two power play goals.
Team Leaders:
Goals: Paul Thompson (19)
Assists: Paul Thompson (14)
Points: Paul Thompson (33)
+/-: Paul Thompson (+13)
Penalty Minutes: Dan Kelly (73)
Wins: Scott Wedgewood (6)
GAA: Scott Clemmensen (2.45)
Save Percentage: Scott Clemmensen/Maxime Clermont (.912)
ECHL Update:
Eric Baier (Orlando): 17 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 points, 11 PIM, +7
Injury Report: Raman Hrabarenka (facial) is practicing, but no word on when he will return. Graham Black (upper) and Scott Timmins (lower) remain out.
This Week’s Schedule: Three games leading up to the AHL All Star Break. Wednesday the Devils finish up their season series against Bridgeport on home ice. New Jersey’s home ice, that is, as the game is at Prudential Center (and I will be in attendance!). Friday and Saturday sees a home and home against Worcester, with Friday night in central Massachusetts and a quick turnaround at home early Saturday afternoon, as the front end of a local hockey doubleheader (RPI and Union will play the nightcap in the annual Mayor’s Cup matchup).
Pop Quiz Answer: The biggest deficit overcome by an A-Devils team? Four goals. On January 6, 2012, Albany entered the third period trailing Norfolk 4-0. But in a span of 11 minutes and 47 seconds, Nick Palmieri, Mike Hoeffel, Matt Anderson, and Eric Gelinas would all score, forcing overtime. And Joe Whitney finished off the comeback 3 and a half minutes in, giving Albany a 5-4 win. Back in 2011, they overcame a 4-1 deficit in the third on two different occasions, winning 5-4 against Worcester on February 18 (no one remind coach David Cunniff about that night, his pen throwing incident late in the third lead up to the winning goal), and a 5-4 win against Bridgeport on March 9 (the Chad Wiseman 4 goal game).
With last night’s out of nowhere comeback 2-1 overtime win against the Falcons, Albany officially hit the midway point of the schedule. Before the second half begins tomorrow night in Allentown, let’s take a look at the team’s progress so far this season:
Record: 17-14-2-5, 41 points. 4th in the Northeast Division, 9th in the Eastern Conference, 17th in AHL
Home: 11-6-1-3 Road: 6-8-1-2
Team Leaders: (top 3 skaters)
Goals: Paul Thompson (18), *Joe Whitney (14), Reid Boucher (10)
Assists: *Joe Whitney (19), Paul Thompson (14), Scott Timmins (13)
Points: *Joe Whitney (33), Paul Thompson (32), Reid Boucher (20)
+/-: Paul Thompson (+13), Graham Black/Stefan Matteau (+7), Brandon Burlon (+5)
Penalty Minutes: Darcy Zajac (65), Brandon Burlon (56), Dan Kelly (54)
Power Play Goals: *Joe Whitney (6), Reid Boucher (5), Mike Sislo/Paul Thompson/Graham Black (4)
Power Play Assists: *Joe Whitney (10), Brandon Burlon (8), Reid Boucher (6)
Shorthanded Goals: Paul Thompson/Mike Sislo/Darcy Zajac/Ben Johnson (1)
Shorthanded Assists: Paul Thompson/Scott Timmins/Kelly Zajac (1)
Game Winning Goals: *Joe Whitney (4), Scott Timmins (3), Paul Thompson/Graham Black (2)
Shots on Goal: Paul Thompson (124), *Joe Whitney (91), Reid Boucher (85)
-Albany begins the week with a record of 16-14-2-5, good for 39 points and 5th place in the Northeast Division (10th in Eastern Conference).
-On Monday, Myles Bell was selected for the ECHL All Star Game, to be played in Orlando on January 21st. While with Evansville, he posted 15 points (8 G, 7 A) in 24 games. He has yet to make an appearance for Albany since being recalled on December 30th.
-With New Jersey about to embark on a 3 game California road trip and with Jaromir Jagr and Tuomo Ruutu battling illness, Joe Whitney was recalled for the second time in a little over two weeks and practiced on the fourth (?!?!) line. To make room for him on the roster, Seth Helgeson was sent down after appearing in 21 games for the big club, registering two assists and finishing at a +3 rating. He last played for Albany on November 9th in Bridgeport.
1/14, Game #38 vs. Springfield
Where: Times Union Center, Albany, NY.
When: 7:00 PM.
Season Series: Albany leads 2-1.
Standings:
Springfield: 26-10-3-0, 55 points, 1st place in Northeast Division
Falcons Leading Scorers/Goaltending:
Austin Madaisky, 31 points (11 G, 20 A); Luke Adam, 30 points (12 G, 18 A); T.J. Tynan, 24 points (5 G, 19 A)
Anton Forsberg, 18-4-0, 1.85 GAA; Oscar Dansk, 5-3-3, 3.57 GAA
Notes:
-Austin Madaisky and Anton Forsberg, who both played a role in defeating Albany on Sunday in western Massachusetts, are the Falcons All Star Representatives.
-A very light schedule for the Falcons this week, as after Wednesday they are off until hosting Binghamton on Sunday afternoon.
Lehigh Valley: 18-12-4-1, 41 points, 3rd place in East Division
Phantoms Leading Scorers/Goaltending:
Brandon Manning, 23 points (6 G, 17 A); Nick Cousins, 22 points (9 G, 13 A); Andrew Gordon, 19 points (10 G, 9 A)
Anthony Stolarz, 6-6-1, 2.58 GAA
Notes:
-Despite sitting in third in their division, the Phantoms have the best winning percentage (.586) among those teams.
-Lehigh Valley brings a 4 game winning streak into a 3 in 3 weekend. After hosting the Devils, they face Binghamton at home on Saturday before traveling to Hershey on Sunday afternoon.
Philipp Grubauer, 11-9-4, 2.09 GAA; Pheonix Copley, 6-3-1, 2.00 GAA
Notes:
-Albany will not to have worry about Justin Peters this time around, as he finished his conditioning assignment Sunday afternoon with a loss to Norfolk and was recalled to Washington on Monday.
-This is the Bears first game of the week after splitting a two game set with Norfolk over the weekend. They start a home and home with the Phantoms on Sunday afternoon.
-The last time Albany won a game in Chocolatetown? December 29, 2012. Harri Pesonen scored the game winner midway through the third period in a 3-2 Devil victory.
Thoughts Inside The Box 