Not the way you want to start a tough February schedule…two games, two three goal losses. And only one goal scorer.
The Devils kicked off February with their only…and last…trip to New Hampshire to take on the Monarchs. And it was the home team who got off to a fast start. Mike Richards, in his second game since being sent down by Los Angeles, would score just 1:16 into the contest for a 1-0 lead. The Monarchs would add a late power play goal to double the lead. Meanwhile, Albany could only manage 3 shots on goal during the first 20 minutes of play, while giving up 14 to the hosts. Brian O’Neill would add a shorthanded goal midway through the second period to put the Devils in a 3-0 hole. Mike Sislo would finally get Albany on the board late in the period with his 10th of the season, but that was the only offense on the evening. Colin Miller would add a goal late in the third to seal the victory for the Monarchs. Scott Wedgewood stopped 29 of 33 shots in picking up the loss. The Devils could only manage 17 shots all night, with Sislo’s 3 leading the way. Paul Thompson and Reece Scarlett were the only other Devils with points.
Highlights:
*Lines:
Joe Whitney-Tim Sestito-Paul Thompson
Reid Boucher-Darcy Zajac-Mike Sislo
Chris McKelvie-Ben Johnson-Alexandre Carrier
Stefan Matteau-David Wohlberg-Ben Thomson
Extra: Rod Pelley, Kelly Zajac, Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Cam Janssen
Defense:
Seth Helgeson/Reece Scarlett
Brandon Burlon/Dan Kelly
Corbin McPherson/Mike Keenan
Extra: Raman Hrabarenka, Joe Faust
*I was not around to watch, the last two lines are at best a guess.
The Devils finished the brief week with a trip east to Springfield to take on the slumping Falcons. On just their third shot of the game, Springfield got one past Scott Clemmensen late in the first period to get the early lead. Mike Sislo would tie it up just as the second period began, only to have Adam Cracknell break the tie just over two minutes later. Things got very physical as the game progressed, culminating in a end of period fight behind Clemmensen’s net, putting the Devils on a 5 on 3 to begin the third period (Joe Whitney was already off for an earlier call). The Falcons would take advantage and take a two goal lead as the third period got underway. Springfield would add an empty netter with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory, their first since beating the Devils at home January 11th. Clemmensen stopped 24 of 27 shots, and Brandon Burlon had the lone helper.
Highlights:
Lines:
Joe Whitney-Tim Sestito-Mike Sislo
Reid Boucher-Darcy Zajac-Paul Thompson
Stefan Matteau-David Wohlberg-Ben Thomson
Chris McKelvie-Ben Johnson-Alexandre Carrier
Extra: Rod Pelley, Kelly Zajac, Scott Timmins, Graham Black, Cam Janssen
Defense:
Dan Kelly/Brandon Burlon
Seth Helgeson/Reece Scarlett
Corbin McPherson/Mike Keenan
Extra: Raman Hrabarenka, Joe Faust
Pop Quiz: Wednesday marked the last visit to Manchester for the Devils, a city the team has not seen much success since the move from Lowell. When was the Devils last victory at Verizon Wireless Arena? The answer is coming up.
Obligatory Fight of the Week:
As usual, video proof has yet to surface. So stay tuned.
My Player of the Week:
Well…it was a fairly easy decision…with the only offense all week Mike Sislo is pretty much your default winner.
Team Leaders:
Goals: Paul Thompson (22)
Assists: Joe Whitney (21)
Points: Joe Whitney/Paul Thompson (38)
+/-: Paul Thompson (+13)
Penalty Minutes: Dan Kelly (89)
Wins: Scott Wedgewood (7)
GAA: Maxime Clermont (1.94)
Save Percentage: Maxime Clermont (.921)
ECHL Update:
Myles Bell (Evansville): 32 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 Pts, -11, 25 PIM
Eric Baier (Orlando): 25 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 12 Pts, +7, 11 PIM
Injury Update:
No timetables for returns for Kelly Zajac (upper), Scott Timmins (lower), Graham Black (wrist), Cam Janssen (shoulder), or Raman Hrabarenka (upper). Rod Pelley (hand) missed the week, and you can possibly add Tim Sestito to the list after he left Friday’s game during the third, having to be helped off the ice.
This Week’s Schedule:
It’s a 3 in 3 weekend for Valentine’s Day! Friday night the Devils return home to face Hershey. Saturday begins a home and home with the Wolfpack, with Saturday night in Hartford and back in Albany Sunday afternoon. Sunday marks the last home game for Albany until March 1st. Also this week: the rescheduled from December STH skate on Wednesday, I’ll possibly have a few photos from that.
Pop Quiz Answer: The last Devil victory in Manchester? You have to go back to February 25, 2012, a 3-1 win. Jeff Frazee stopped 38 of 39 shots, while Steve Zalewski, Vladimir Zharkov, and Eric Gelinas all contributed goals.
Thoughts Inside The Box 