January 2017 – Thoughts Inside The Box

2017 AHL All Star Wrap

Another successful AHL All Star Classic is in the books.

This year, the venue was Allentown, home of the Phantoms. Albany looked to be well represented, with John Quenneville, Joe Blandisi, and Vojtech Mozik selected to represent the North Division. Then…Sunday morning all three were mysteriously pulled from the event. A highly contagious virus had struck a few members of the roster (i.e. Reece Scarlett, Blake Pietila), and due to risk of possible exposure, the team and league determined it was best everyone stayed home to recover.

But for me, even though I was now left without a team in the fight…the show must go on.

1/29, All Star Skills: West 15, East 11

First, both conferences battled in the Skills Competition.

Leading off, the Puck Control Relay: the West would win the first three heats, with former Devil Matt Lorito (now with Grand Rapids) part of the first winning team. The East would win the final individual round (Lehigh Valley’s Jordan Weal would be the winner).

Second event, the Fastest Skater: This year’s event was record setting, as Bridgeport’s Devon Toews would become the second fastest ever in the event’s history, winning with a time of 13.478 seconds. All but one skater would finish at 13.8 or faster. The East picked up the individual point, while the West took home team honors for lowest average with 13.769 seconds.

Third event, the Rapid Fire: Both teams would earn a point, as they tied with 23 saves each. Former River Rat Michael Leighton (now with Charlotte) and Rochester’s Linus Ullmark would each stop 8 shots in their respective rounds.

Fourth event, the Hardest Shot: Another two points to the West, as Tucson’s Kyle Wood took home the individual title with 99.3 MPH. The West also grabbed team honors with an average shot of 98.1 MPH.

Fifth event, Accuracy Shooting: No one went 4 for 4, but Cole Schneider of Rochester came the closest, getting 4 targets in 5 attempts. The East took the team honors, hitting 15 targets in 25 total attempts.

Sixth event, Pass and Score: In the three on none round, the East would win 6-3 and take the overall competition lead. Troy Grosenick (San Jose) and Tristan Jarry (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) were the only two goaltenders to stop all three attempts. The trio of former River Rat Chris Terry (now with St. John’s) and Utica teammates Alexandre Greiner and Jordan Subban scored all three of their goals against Cleveland’s Anton Forsberg.

Seventh event, Breakaway Relay: All four West goaltenders–Grosenick, Jack Campbell (Ontario), Forsberg, and Leighton–would stop every shot they faced. On the East side, Ullmark would be the only goaltender to shut out his round. Five West skaters would pick up goals, giving the West the overall win.

Ullmark would take home Top Goaltender honors, as he stopped 15 of 18 total shots faced.

The Top Goaltender, Linus Ullmark (Rochester). Minus the sweet Minion mask.

Monday: The day began with the annual State of the League address. Other than, well, the obvious…some highlights:

-Next year’s schedule will come out 5-6 weeks earlier than normal. Which means you can start making your plans in July instead of nearly having to wait till September!

-With Las Vegas joining the NHL next season, talk of a 31st AHL team was brought up. It may not come to fruition until 2018-19 at the latest. Outside of the three North Division moves, everyone else appears to be staying put for the long haul. Realignment also appears to be on the radar for next season as well.

-Later Monday morning, former River Rat Bryan Helmer was one of four men to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.

All-Star Challenge Results:

Everyone sporting #14 in honor of Craig Cunningham.

Game #1: Atlantic 2, Central 1

Leading off the 3 on 3 tournament, the Atlantic took on the Central. The Atlantic would score both their goals during the first five minute half, as Mackenzie Weegar (Springfield) and Travis Boyd (Hershey) would score 36 seconds apart. Oliver Bjorkstrand (Cleveland) would break up the Atlantic shutout bid with 48 seconds left in the second half. Zane McIntyre (Providence) stopped 6 of 7 shots, while Leighton stopped 3 of 5.

Game #2: North 6, Pacific 3

The other two divisions faced off in the second game…and this one was no contest. After both teams went back and forth during the first half, the North Division would explode for four goals in the second half. Justin Bailey (Rochester) scored twice in a 14 second span, while former Devil Matt Taormina (now with Syracuse) and Alexandre Grenier (Utica) added two assists each. Ullmark would stop 5 of 6 shots in the first half, while Charlie Lindgren (St. John’s) took over in the second half and stopped just one of three. Campbell had a rough go in the second half, stopping 5 of 9 North shots.

Game #3: Central 2, North 1 (SO)

Unlike the previous round, this was a low scoring affair. Casey Bailey (Binghamton) would put the North ahead late in the first half. Alex Tuch (Iowa) would tie things up early in the second half. With the first tie of the evening, it would be settled by the shootout. Kenny Agostino (Chicago) and Spencer Abbott (Rockford) would each score, while Anton Forsberg (Cleveland) would stop 2 of 3 North shooters for the win. He stopped 11 of 12 shots before that. Ullmark would stop all 4 shots faced in the first half, then Lindgren would stop 6 of 7 in the second half.

Game #4: Atlantic 6, Pacific 1

Another blowout performance against the Pacific in this round. Hometown boys T.J. Brennan and Jordan Weal would score 1:12 apart for a 2-0 start, then Daniel O’Regan (San Jose) would cut the lead in half. But the Pennsylvania connection would put the game away for the Atlantic…Hershey teammates Chris Bourque and Boyd would score :45 apart, then the third Phantom representative, Taylor Leier, would make the hometown crowd happy with two goals in the second half. The Pacific was held shotless in the second half, while Campbell and Troy Grosenick (San Jose) combined for 6 saves on 12 shots overall.

Game #5: Central 5, Pacific 3

Poor Pacific Division. Apparently they should have practiced more…oh wait. (I’ll show myself out.)

Anyway…the Central would get off to a very quick start in this round, taking a 3-0 lead within the first minute of the contest. Lorito, Agostino, and Tuch would all score within :43. Christian Fischer (Tucson) would get the Pacific on the board, only to see Oliver Bjorkstand (Cleveland) answer with a goal late. In the second half, Lorito would pick up his second of the game for a 5-1 advantage. Wood and O’Regan would pick up goals, but it was too little too late. Leighton and Forsberg combined to stop 9 of 12 shots. Grosenick and Campbell would only save 2 of 7. With the win, the Central clinched a spot in the championship game.

Game #6: Atlantic 2, North 0

So who would be taking on the Central for the title? It would be an offensive struggle for the North in this one, as they could not get a goal past Tristan Jarry (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) in the first half. Nicklas Jensen (Hartford) would get the Atlantic on the board. Zane McIntyre (Providence) would take over in the second half, and he too would keep the North in check. Leier would add an empty netter late to send the Atlantic to the championship game. Ullmark and Lindgren would combine for 11 saves on 12 shots.

Championship: Central 1, Atlantic 0 (SO)

One from the East, one from the West. But only one division can be the winner. And both teams battled to a scoreless tie through regulation, combining for just 5 shots in the 6:00 round. It would go down to a sudden death shootout…Weal, Agostino, Bourque, Abbott, Boyd, Bjorkstrand, and Leier were all unsuccessful. But it would be the former Devil, Lorito, who would score on McIntyre in the fourth round, clinching the Challenge for the Central Division for the second year in a row.

Leier would take home MVP honors, scoring 3 goals on the night.

As for my experience: as always, everything was wonderful, despite the fact I had no one show up. (For those of you who continue to think it’s New Jersey screwing us…you’re wrong. I have confirmation that it was indeed illness. I get it, you’re ticked, but for the love of all things holy STOP IT.) It was my first visit to Allentown and…if you can make the trip to the PPL Center, absolutely do it. The building is awesome…and not just because there’s a Tim Hortons attached to it (give me all the Timbits!). Sight lines were great from nearly all angles, the atmosphere was energetic…no complaints here. If the 2018 version stays in the east and I can drive there…I may make the trip for the fourth year in a row.

For more photos check out my Flickr album!

Now the Farewell tour begins, starting Thursday.

Week 16 in Review: Splitting into the Break

After the mid week drama…the show must go on.

And it was a mixed showing for the Devils in their brief two game week, going 1-1 in two very different performances.

1/27 at Rochester: 2-1 W

The three game road swing ended on Friday night in Rochester, as the Devils visited the Amerks for the second time this season. The visitors would get off to a quick start less than 4 minutes into the contest, as Yohann Auvitu made a triumphant return to the lineup by scoring his first AHL goal for a 1-0 lead. Rochester responded with a goal from Tim Kennedy less than 4 minutes later to tie things up at 1. In the second, on the Devils only power play chance of the evening, Vojtech Mozik would pick up his 6th goal to put Albany ahead 2-1. From there, the defense would shut down the Amerks completely, only allowing 19 shots on goal for the full 60 minutes. Mackenzie Blackwood would get the nod in goal, only needing to make 18 saves in his 8th win of the season. Joe Blandisi assisted on both Devil goals, with Brian Gibbons and Jacob MacDonald getting the other helpers.

Lines:

Joe Blandisi-Blake Coleman-Brian Gibbons

John Quenneville-Carter Camper-Nick Lappin

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Jan Mandat

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Max Novak

Defense:

Vojtech Mozik/Yohann Auvitu

Jacob MacDonald/Brandon Gormley

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Mackenzie Blackwood/Ken Appleby

Scratches: Seth Helgeson, Steve Santini, Karl Stollery, Brandon Baddock, Ben Sexton, Blake Pietila, Reece Scarlett, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka, Justin Agosta

Power Play: 1 for 1. Penalty Kill: 2 for 2. Penalty Minutes: 9. Shots on Goal: 36. Shots Allowed: 19.

3 Stars: 1. Vojtech Mozik; 2. Joe Blandisi; 3. Tim Kennedy.

Highlight Reel:

1/28 vs. Rochester: 5-3 L

Less than 24 hours later, both teams would meet again, this time on Albany’s ice. And at first glance, it looked like Rochester forgot there was an afternoon game, as the Devils simply dominated in the first. In a span of 7:03, Blake Coleman (14), Yohann Auvitu (2nd in 2 days) and Nick Lappin (2) would all score on Linus Ullmark for a 3-0 lead. As for the Amerks, they could only muster 3 shots for the entire period. Then something like this happened:

The Americans found their game and would rally. It only took 3:56 for Daniel Muzito-Bagenda, Vaclav Karabacek, and Cole Schneider to tie the game up at 3. They would outshoot Albany 10-6 for the middle period. The carnage continued into the third, as the Amerks would finish the improbable comeback. Tim Kennedy would put Rochester ahead 4-3 midway through the period, then Justin Bailey would add an insurance goal late. The Devils could only muster 4 shots in the final 20 minutes. So if you’re keeping track: Albany outshot Rochester 16-3 after 20, the Amerks would outshoot the Devils 21-10 in the final 40. It was an uncharacteristic off day for Ken Appleby in net, as he was only able to stop 19 of 24 shots. Auvitu and four others would have one assist each.

Lines:

John Quenneville-Carter Camper-Nick Lappin

Joe Blandisi-Blake Coleman-Brian Gibbons

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Jan Mandat

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Max Novak

Defense:

Seth Helgeson/Brandon Gormley

Vojtech Mozik/Yohann Auvitu

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Steve Santini, Karl Stollery, Brandon Baddock, Ben Sexton, Blake Pietila, Reece Scarlett, Petr Straka, Scott Wedgewood

Power Play: 0 for 2. Penalty Kill: 5 for 5. Penalty Minutes: 22. Shots on Goal: 26. Shots Allowed: 24.

3 Stars: 1. Tim Kennedy; 2. Cole Schneider; 3. Yohann Auvitu.

Highlight Reel:

My Player of the Week:

This was a pretty easy choice this week. Two games, two goals. A nice return from injury for Yohann Auvitu. Where he will be come next week is the next question.

Team Leaders:

Goals: Blake Coleman (14)

Assists: John Quenneville (19)

Points: John Quenneville (29)

+/-: Blake Coleman (+15)

Penalty Minutes: Andrew MacWilliam (72)

Wins: Ken Appleby (12)

GAA: Ken Appleby (2.05)

Save Percentage: Ken Appleby (.920)

Up North with the Thunder:

A solid week for the other team in red, as they went 2-1 on home ice. The Thunder began the week with a 3-2 shootout win over Reading on Tuesday. Greg Wolfe scored the tying goal late in the third period, and picked up a goal in the shootout round. Reading would return on Friday and got revenge with a 5-1 win, as Gunnar Hughes broke up the Royals shutout bid early in the third. Adirondack would rebound nicely on Saturday with an 8-2 thrashing of Elmira. Patch Alber picked up 4 points, including his first goal in over two years. Brian Ward scored twice and added an assist, Alex Wall had three assists, and Ty Loney and Wolfe added one goal and one helper each.

After finishing the month of January in Elmira on Sunday, the Thunder kick off February with a 3 game set against Norfolk, starting in Virginia on Wednesday followed by a home set on Friday and Saturday.

This Week’s Schedule:

Thanks to a team wide illness, no one is going to Allentown for All Star festivities, meaning everyone gets a few days off. But it’s back to work starting Thursday night, as Syracuse comes in. Friday night Lehigh Valley comes in for their lone appearance of the season. Then Saturday it’s off to Binghamton to take on the Senators.

And stay tuned on Tuesday as I’ll have a wrapup of events in Pennsylvania from All Star skills and the challenge on Monday.

Game 44: Albany vs. Rochester

Location: Times Union Center, Albany, NY.

Time: 5:00 PM.

Season Series: Albany leads 3-0.

Media Kit

Standings:

Albany: 25-16-1-1, 50 points, .605, 2nd place in North Division

Rochester: 18-24-0-2, 38 points, .432, 7th place in North Division

Americans Leading Scorers/Goaltending:

Cole Schneider, 38 points (15 G, 23 A); Justin Bailey, 27 points (17 G, 10 A); Nick Baptiste, 26 points (17 G, 9 A)

Linus Ullmark, 16-15-2, 2.83 GAA; John Muse, 2-6-0, 3.21 GAA

Last Game, Americans: Rochester lost to Albany 2-1 at home on Friday.

Latest News/Notes:

The Amerks remain one point behind Binghamton to get out of last place, and 5 points behind Utica for the fourth North playoff spot (both the Senators and the Comets lost in regulation on Friday); goaltender Linus Ullmark and forward Cole Schneider will represent Rochester on the North Division AHL All Star roster; in an unannounced move, Brandon Baddock was recalled from Adirondack on Friday; today marks GE Kids in Free Day at the TU Center, as we celebrate Devil Dawg’s birthday with a cast of characters.

Rochester Amerks fall to Albany when offense stalls (Democrat & Chronicle)

Albany Devils all-stars embrace 3-on-3 format (Times Union)

Broadcast Info: AHL Live, ESPN Rochester

Social: @trace_1114, @AlbanyDevils, @AmerksHockey

Game 43: Albany at Rochester

Location: Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY.

Time: 7:00 PM.

Season Series: Albany leads 2-0.

Media Kit

Standings:

Albany: 24-16-1-1, 50 points, .595, 2nd place in North Division

Rochester: 18-23-0-2, 38 points, .442, 7th place in North Division

Americans Leading Scorers/Goaltending:

Cole Schneider, 38 points (15 G, 23 A); Justin Bailey, 27 points (17 G, 10 A); Nick Baptiste, 26 points (17 G, 9 A)

Linus Ullmark, 16-14-2, 2.86 GAA; John Muse, 2-6-0, 3.21 GAA

Last Game, Americans: Rochester lost to Toronto 2-1 in a shootout at home on Wednesday.

Latest News/Notes:

The Amerks have dropped 6 of 10 and find themselves in the division basement, just .034 behind Binghamton and Toronto, but are 5 points behind Utica for the fourth North playoff spot; former RPI goaltender Jason Kasdorf has been back and forth between Rochester and Elmira 5 different times since December 18th, while Linus Ullmark has been back and forth between the Amerks and the Sabres 4 times in the past 16 days; defenseman Yohann Auvitu was reinstated from the injured list by New Jersey on Tuesday and reassigned to Albany; with Blake Coleman’s return, forward Ty Loney was released from his PTO and returned to Adirondack; there is a possibility Reece Scarlett may miss time this weekend due to illness; after Thursday’s loss to Washington, New Jersey sent Steve Santini, Seth Helgeson, and Karl Stollery back to Albany for the weekend as the NHL All Star Break gets underway.

Rochester Amerks lose in shootout to Toronto (Democrat & Chronicle)

New Jersey Devils Prospect Update 1/24 (All About the Jersey)

Broadcast Info: AHL Live, ESPN Rochester (radio); MSG+ (local TV)

Social: @trace_1114, @AlbanyDevils, @AmerksHockey

No Words.

You know how Facebook has that On This Day feature? The one where you can look back on posts from years ago?

When I checked mine this morning, I saw my memories from my first AHL All Star trip to Utica (and my first ever trip to Turning Stone) two years ago.

And then I see an article I shared from Puck Daddy from 2010…back when the rumors of the River Rats moving to Charlotte were starting to take hold.

Who would have guessed exactly 7 years later I’d find myself in the same situation?

The news broke via the Times Union about an hour or so ago…what I had read a couple of weeks ago then reminded by several people about a week and a half ago…may really be happening.

And for the second time in 7 years…I don’t have a team.

But why? A 3 year extension was announced last season, the arena is being remodeled, by all accounts things seemed…okay? I get it, the attendance clearly wasn’t there. The media barely covered the team. It seemed like no matter what was tried…you can’t compete in a college town, which, even though Albany is the capital of New York State, is more into basketball…especially college/HS…than a pro hockey team. RPI and Union offer the same entertainment for much less. And downtown Albany at night? That’s a different story for another day.

Lesson learned: Support your minor league team, no matter the time or cost. Don’t take it for granted. You never know, one day they’ll be gone.

As for the future of this blog…it’s too early for me to make any decisions. Let’s see how everything plays out first before I decide.

Oh, and I’ll be in Allentown for All Stars, so please feel free to give me your best sales pitch as to why I should join your bandwagon…

Week 15 In Review: Going the Extra Mile

Sometimes, you need just a little more time to get what you want.

That was the case for the Devils this week, as they inched closer to returning to first place in the North Division with a pair of overtime victories…and nearly had a chance at a third.

1/18 vs. Syracuse: 3-2 W (OT)

It was a battle of 1 vs. 2 in the North Division, as the first place Crunch made their first visit of the season to the Capital Region after taking the first two matchups of the series on their home ice. Ryan Kujawinski’s second goal of the season 6:04 into the contest would put the Devils ahead early 1-0. Then, for awhile, it became a goaltenders duel between Ken Appleby and Adam Wilcox, as the two combined for 33 saves on 34 shots over the first forty minutes of the contest. Vojtech Mozik looked to pick up an insurance goal on the power play 7 minutes into the third for a 2-0 Devil lead. But, the Crunch were not about ready to throw in the towel just yet. On a scrum in front of Appleby’s net, a questionable non-goaltender interference call would lead to Syracuse cutting the lead in half on Yanni Gourde’s 13th goal of the season. Barely two and a half minutes after that…we would be tied at 2, thanks to a Tanner Richard goal. For the third time in the last four games, the Devils found themselves needing overtime to settle things…and just 1:17 into the extra frame, Kevin Rooney would send everyone home happy with the game winner, his 8th of the season. Appleby would end up with 29 saves on 31 shots, picking up his third straight win, fourth in his last five starts, and 11th of the season. Ben Sexton continued his hot play of late, contributing two assists, while three other Devils had one helper each.

Lines:

Ryan Kujawinski-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Brian Gibbons-Blake Pietila-Nick Lappin

Jan Mandat-Kevin Rooney-Max Novak

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Ty Loney

Defense:

Vojtech Mozik/Brandon Gormley

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Joe Blandisi, John Quenneville, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka

Power Play: 1 for 3. Penalty Kill: 4 for 4. Penalty Minutes: 8. Shots on Goal: 26. Shots Allowed: 31.

3 Stars: 1. Kevin Rooney; 2. Ken Appleby; 3. Tanner Richard.

Highlight Reel:

1/21 vs. St. John’s: 4-2 L

It was then off to a very snowy Newfoundland, as the Devils kicked off a two game set against the IceCaps, with the first game having to be pushed back due to a snowstorm in the area. And before most of a sparse crowd were likely even in their seats, Vojtech Mozik was putting the visitors on the board 18 seconds after puck drop with his 5th goal of the season. Jeremy Gregoire would tie things up midway through the opening period with his 6th goal. Then while the Devils were on their second power play, a turnover would be stolen by Chris Terry, who broke in alone and scored for a 2-1 St. John’s lead. Ryan Kujawinski would re-tie the contest late in the second period with his 3rd goal. In the third, despite a 12-8 shot advantage for the Devils, it would be the home team pulling it out in the end. On a scramble in front of Ken Appleby’s net, Michael McCarron would score with 5:09 remaining in regulation to put St. John’s ahead by one. Max Friberg would add the empty netter late for the nail in the coffin. Appleby played well despite the loss, only facing 18 shots and stopping 15. Nick Lappin and Josh Jacobs would pick up the only helpers. The game also marked the returns of both Joe Blandisi and John Quenneville to the lineup.

Lines:

Brian Gibbons-Joe Blandisi-Nick Lappin

John Quenneville-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Blake Pietila

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Jan Mandat

Defense:

Vojtech Mozik/Brandon Gormley

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Josh Jacobs/Andrew MacWilliam

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Max Novak, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka, Ty Loney, Justin Agosta

Power Play: 0 for 2. Penalty Kill: 4 for 4. Penalty Minutes: 12. Shots on Goal: 28. Shots Allowed: 19.

3 Stars: 1. Chris Terry; 2. Charlie Lindgren; 3. Brian Gibbons.

Highlight Reel:

1/22 vs. St. John’s: 2-1 W (OT)

About 18 hours after the final whistle, both teams would meet for the rematch, with the only difference being former Devil Yann Danis in net for the home team. Much like the night before, it would be the Devils getting on the board first, courtesy of a power play goal by Jacob MacDonald, his second during his PTO stint. Also like the night before, the IceCaps would find their way onto the scoresheet courtesy of a turnover…in this case, Charles Hudon would pick up his 12th goal with less than a minute remaining in the first for a 1-1 contest. Then both Danis and Ken Appleby would go into lockdown, stopping a combined 33 shots (Danis 19, Appleby 14) over the final 40 minutes of regulation. For the fourth time in two weeks, Albany would go to overtime, and for the third time in two weeks, they would get the extra point. Joe Blandisi would score the game winner 1:18 in for the victory. Appleby would stop 21 of 22 shots in the win. Nick Lappin, John Quenneville, and Carter Camper would have one assist each.

Lines:

John Quenneville-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Blake Pietila-Joe Blandisi-Nick Lappin

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Brian Gibbons

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Jan Mandat

Defense:

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Vojtech Mozik/Brandon Gormley

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Blake Coleman, Max Novak, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka, Ty Loney, Justin Agosta

Power Play: 1 for 5. Penalty Kill: 2 for 2. Penalty Minutes: 6. Shots on Goal: 32. Shots Allowed: 22.

3 Stars: 1. Joe Blandisi; 2. Yann Danis; 3. Brett Lernout.

Highlight Reel:

My Player of the Week:

There was one constant in all three games this week: the man between the pipes. You may have noticed that Ken Appleby has started the last 4 games, winning three. He leads all AHL rookies with a 1.89 goals against average and his .927 save percentage ranks fourth among all AHL netminders. Have the Devils found a new #1 goaltender? We shall see.

Team Leaders:

Goals: Blake Pietila/Blake Coleman/Ben Sexton (13)

Assists: John Quenneville (18)

Points: John Quenneville (28)

+/-: Blake Coleman (+15)

Penalty Minutes: Andrew MacWilliam (65)

Wins: Ken Appleby (12)

GAA: Ken Appleby (1.89)

Save Percentage: Ken Appleby (.927)

Up North with the Thunder:

It was All Star week in Glens Falls, as the full Thunder roster was set to face off against a team of ECHL All Stars. But before that…Adirondack would drop a 5-3 decision to Manchester Monday afternoon at home. On Wednesday night, the Thunder would lose 8-7 to the league All-Star crop, but did pick up two wins in the mid game Skills Competition: the team of Greg Wolfe, Peter MacArthur, Brian Ward, and Dana Fraser would win the Puck Control Relay, and Stepan Falkovsky would win Hardest Shot at 99 MPH. Ward would pick up a goal during the second half of the game (the game was played in two halves with the skills in the middle), and Brandon Baddock would finally return to the lineup after being out since early December, picking up an assist in the first half. The Thunder would return to their regular schedule on Friday in Reading, losing 2-1 in overtime. They managed to salvage their week with a 7-4 drubbing of Norfolk in Virginia on Saturday. Wolfe would score once and assist on two others, Ward added two helpers, and Baddock even added an assist.

Coming up this week: it’s a busy one, as the Thunder will have a three game homestand, starting on Tuesday against Reading. They face the same Royals on Friday night, then host Elmira on Saturday. They will finish out January on the road Sunday afternoon against the Jackals.

This Week’s Schedule:

It’s a relatively easy week for the Devils leading up to the All Star break. They will take on Rochester in a home and home set, starting Friday night on the road before returning home Saturday afternoon.

Game 42: Albany at St. John’s

Location: Mile One Centre, St. John’s, NFLD, Canada.

Time: 2:30 PM EST (4:00 PM NST).

Season Series: Albany leads 3-1.

Media Kit

Standings:

Albany: 23-16-1-1, 48 points, .585, 2nd place in North Division

St. John’s: 20-16-4-1, 45 points, .549, 3rd place in North Division

IceCaps Leading Scorers/Goaltending:

Chris Terry, 31 points (12 G, 19 A); Nikita Scherbak, 20 points (10 G, 10 A); 2 tied with 19 points

Charlie Lindgren, 14-10-3, 2.73 GAA; Yann Danis, 6-3-2, 2.82 GAA

Last Game, IceCaps: St. John’s defeated Albany 4-2 at home on Saturday.

Latest News/Notes:

Another special alumni notes edition:

Chris Terry (River Rats) leads the IceCaps in scoring and has appeared in 14 games for the Canadiens, scoring twice; Stefan Matteau (A-Devils) has 7 goals/7 assists in 33 games, and leads the IceCaps in penalty minutes (83); Bobby Farnham (NJ; #WildThing) has 5 goals/5 assists and 79 PIM in 35 games, and played in 3 games for Montreal going scoreless; Yann Danis (A-Devils) has appeared in 12 games since joining the IceCaps in mid-October, picking up 6 wins and a 2.82 goals against average. He recently appeared in his 400th career AHL game and won his 200th AHL game.

One Albany note: Blake Coleman was reassigned to the A-Devils by New Jersey after Vern Fiddler was reinstated from injured reserve.

IceCaps Double Devils 4-2 (stjohnsicecaps.com)

Albany Devils player added to AHL all-stars (Times Union)

Broadcast Info: AHL Live

Social: @trace_1114, @AlbanyDevils, @IceCapsAHL

Game 41: Albany at St. John’s

Location: Mile One Centre, St. John’s, NFLD, Canada.

Time: 6:00 PM EST (7:30 PM NST).

Season Series: Albany leads 3-0.

Media Kit

Standings:

Albany: 23-15-1-1, 48 points, .600, 2nd place in North Division

St. John’s: 19-16-4-1, 43 points, .538, 3rd place in North Division

IceCaps Leading Scorers/Goaltending:

Chris Terry, 29 points (11 G, 18 A); Nikita Scherbak, 20 points (10 G, 10 A); Daniel Audette, 19 points (7 G, 12 A)

Charlie Lindgren, 13-10-3, 2.76 GAA; Yann Danis, 6-3-2, 2.82 GAA

Last Game, IceCaps: St. John’s lost to Utica 3-1 at home on Wednesday.

Latest News/Notes:

Originally scheduled for 4 PM NST (2:30 EST), the game was moved to a later time due to an impending snowstorm in the St. John’s area; the IceCaps are halfway through a 8 game homestand, where so far they are 1-3; for the first time in team history, a set of brothers are on the roster, Michael and John McCarron, the latter signed to a PTO on January 5th; rookie goaltender Charlie Lindgren and defenseman Mark Barberio, currently up with Montreal, are the IceCap All Star representatives; Joe Blandisi (upper) and John Quenneville (illness) are both expected to return to the lineup at some point during the two game set; after representing Manchester at the ECHL All Star Game, defenseman Justin Agosta received his second PTO in a week; Vojtech Mozik was named as a replacement for Barberio for the AHL All Star Classic on Friday.

McCarron brothers finally get to be teammates (The Telegram)

Rick Kowalsky, a familiar name to Trenton fans, enters ECHL Hall of Fame (The Trentonian)

Broadcast Info: AHL Live

Social: @trace_1114, @AlbanyDevils, @IceCapsAHL

Game 40: Albany vs. Syracuse

Location: Times Union Center, Albany, NY.

Time: 7:00 PM.

Season Series: Syracuse leads 2-0.

Media Kit

Standings:

Albany: 22-15-1-1, 46 points, .590, 2nd place in North Division

Syracuse: 20-10-2-5, 47 points, .635, 1st place in North Division

Crunch Leading Scorers/Goaltending:

Matt Taormina, 37 points (12 G, 25 A); Yanni Gourde, 28 points (12 G, 16 A); Cory Conacher, 26 points (6 G, 20 A)

Adam Wilcox, 14-5-2, 2.53 GAA; Kristers Gudlevskis, 6-5-5, 2.72 GAA

Last Game, Crunch: Syracuse defeated Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-1 at home on Monday.

Latest News/Notes:

Syracuse is likely the AHL leader in player transactions this season, with as many as 16 players getting at least one callup to Tampa Bay, with Jake Dotchin the latest on Tuesday; 6 Crunch regulars are currently on recall to the Lightning due to injuries; former Devil Matt Taormina, selected last week to represent the Crunch at the All Star Classic, currently leads all AHL defensemen in three major scoring categories (goals, assists, points); with the return of Nick Lappin from New Jersey and possible returns for John Quenneville, Vojtech Mozik, and Jan Mandat this week, Brian Ward, Tylor Spink and Justin Agosta were all released from their professional tryouts; Ken Appleby is one of only two qualified AHL goaltenders with a GAA under 2 (Juuse Saros of Milwaukee, currently on recall to Nashville, is the other and the current leader with 1.76).

Pests, power punches and toughest foes (syracuse.com)

Crunch capitalize early to defeat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-1 (Raw Charge)

New Jersey Devils Prospect Update 1/17 (All About the Jersey)

Lappin returns from NHL (Times Union)

Broadcast Info: AHL Live or ESPN Radio Syracuse

Social: @trace_1114, @AlbanyDevils, @SyracuseCrunch

Week 14 in Review: Patchwork Makes It Work

So…four forwards injured or ill. Three other players called up to New Jersey due to injury/extended travel west. Four new players plugged in to fill the void.

And…it actually worked! Taking 5 out of 6 points for the week is not a bad showing, despite the lineup challenges.

1/11 at Springfield: 3-2 W (OT)

To start the week, all the Devils had to do was make a quick trip east on the Mass Pike to Springfield, for their first ever matchup against the Thunderbirds and former River Rats captain Geordie Kinnear. Both teams would trade goals in the first period…Brent Regner would give Springfield an early lead, only to have Carter Camper tie things up later on with his second goal of the season. After a relatively quiet second period, things would get interesting in the final 20 minutes. Ryan Kujawinski would finally pick up goal #1 of the season with 13:26 remaining to put the Devils ahead 2-1. And just as it looked like the Devils would pull it out in regulation…the T-Birds were not ready to pack it in just yet. With former Devil Mike McKenna pulled for an extra attacker, their lone All Star selection, Mackenzie Weegar, would get the puck past Ken Appleby with 1:41 remaining to tie the game up at 2. But in the end, the road team would get the last laugh…Ben Sexton would score the game winner, his 10th, with 1:40 remaining in the extra period to give the Devils the extra point. Appleby would stop 33 of 35 shots in his 9th win of the season. A pair of PTOs, Brian Ward (Adirondack) and Jacob MacDonald (Toledo), would each have one assist, along with three other Devils.

Lines:

Brian Gibbons-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Max Novak-Blake Pietila-Tylor Spink

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Brian Ward

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Ty Loney

Defense:

Vojtech Mozik/Brandon Gormley

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Joe Blandisi, Jan Mandat, John Quenneville, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka

Power Play: 0 for 5. Penalty Kill: 4 for 4. Penalty Minutes: 8. Shots on Goal: 37. Shots Allowed: 35.

3 Stars: 1. Ben Sexton; 2. Mackenzie Weegar; 3. Mike McKenna.

Highlight Reel:

1/13 vs. Springfield: 3-2 L (OT)

Friday night came the rematch on Albany’s home ice, with the only changes coming in net: Mackenzie Blackwood and Reto Berra got their turns in net. This time, it would be Albany jumping out to the early lead…with Andrew MacWilliam in the penalty box serving an interference call, Jacob MacDonald (or as I have dubbed him, Last Week’s New Guy…got to keep the PTOs straight somehow) would get his first AHL goal shorthanded to make it 1-0. After struggling to get shots on net, the Thunderbirds would find their way onto the scoresheet midway through the second, as former Ranger Dylan McIlrath, who was sent to Springfield by the Panthers for a conditioning stint, would tie the game up at 1. But, less than two minutes later, Ben Sexton would pick up a power play goal, his 11th, to put Albany back on top 2-1. Much like Wednesday night, the Devils were looking to hold on to that lead through the third…and then the same thing happened again. With Berra pulled, the T-Birds would tie the game at 2 with just 52 seconds remaining in regulation. Unfortunately for Albany, this overtime round would not end the way they wanted it…on the T-Birds first shot of the extra period, Shane Harper would pick up the game winner less than two minutes in for the extra point. It marked the first overtime loss for the Devils this season, and also the first loss at home when holding a lead after the first or second period (they were 10-0 going in). Blackwood did not have much work to do, only stopping 16 of 19 shots. Three Devils would have one assist each.

Lines:

Blake Pietila-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Ryan Kujawinski-Kevin Rooney-Ty Loney

Tylor Spink-Brian Gibbons-Max Novak

Ben Thomson-Rod Pelley-Brian Ward

Defense:

Vojtech Mozik/Brandon Gormley

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Andrew MacWilliam/Josh Jacobs

Mackenzie Blackwood/Ken Appleby

Scratches: Joe Blandisi, Jan Mandat, John Quenneville, Nick Lappin, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka, Justin Agosta

Power Play: 1 for 3. Penalty Kill: 3 for 3. Penalty Minutes: 11. Shots on Goal: 26. Shots Allowed: 19.

3 Stars: 1. Shane Harper; 2. Matt MacKenzie; 3. Jacob MacDonald.

Highlight Reel:

1/14 at Binghamton: 3-2 W

To finish off the week, the Devils headed west to Binghamton to take on the Senators. Unlike the last time the team visited Broome County in November, when the Sens had a 3-0 lead less than 5 minutes into the contest, it would be Albany getting off to a strong start in the first. Just 14 seconds after getting their first power play opportunity of the night, Ben Sexton would continue his big week, picking up his 12th goal for a 1-0 lead. After the Senators had a potential tying goal waved off, the Devils would double their lead on Brandon Gormley’s 2nd goal of the season. In the second, despite a 20-9 shot differential in favor of Albany, it would be Binghamton getting into the game. Jason Akeson and Max McCormick would tie the game up with goals 1:40 apart. However, Sexton would end up with the last laugh late in the period, as his second power play goal of the night would put the Devils back ahead 3-2. Albany was able to prevent the Senators from re-tying the game, actually surviving a sixth attacker situation late in this one to pull out the win. Another strong outing from Ken Appleby, who stopped 21 of 23 shots in win #10. Carter Camper added two assists, while Gormley and PTO pickup Ty Loney had one helper each.

Lines:

Ryan Kujawinski-Carter Camper-Ben Sexton

Brian Gibbons-Blake Pietila-Ty Loney

Brian Ward-Kevin Rooney-Max Novak

Tylor Spink-Rod Pelley-Ben Thomson

Defense:

Josh Jacobs/Brandon Gormley

Andrew MacWilliam/Justin Agosta

Reece Scarlett/Jacob MacDonald

Ken Appleby/Mackenzie Blackwood

Scratches: Joe Blandisi, Jan Mandat, John Quenneville, Vojtech Mozik, Nick Lappin, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Straka

Power Play: 2 for 2. Penalty Kill: 2 for 2. Penalty Minutes: 9. Shots on Goal: 34. Shots Allowed: 23.

3 Stars: 1. Ben Sexton; 2. Brandon Gormley; 3. Max McCormick.

Highlight Reel:

My Player of the Week:

This week is basically a slam dunk choice…Ben Sexton stepped it up this week with most of the firepower out of the lineup. With four goals, two of those game winners, he may have a legitimate shot at AHL Player of the Week honors. Honorable mentions to two of the PTOs, Jacob MacDonald and Ty Loney, for stepping in and doing a great job filling in.

Team Leaders:

Goals: Blake Pietila/Ben Sexton (13)

Assists: John Quenneville (17)

Points: John Quenneville (27)

+/-: Vojtech Mozik (+11)

Penalty Minutes: Andrew MacWilliam (61)

Wins: Ken Appleby (10)

GAA: Ken Appleby (1.87)

Save Percentage: Ken Appleby (.929)

Up North with the Thunder:

It wasn’t the greatest of weeks for Adirondack, as they went 1-2 and were outscored 14-11. Their lone win came on Wednesday night, a 5-1 win at home against Elmira. Before getting the PTO call, Ty Loney had one goal and two assists, while local product and captain Peter MacArthur picked up a hat trick. On Friday, the Thunder had a 2-0 lead after one, proceeded to give up 4 goals to Manchester in the second, score three more of their own, blow the lead in the third, tie the game up with 7 seconds remaining in regulation, then ultimately lose 7-6 to the Monarchs in overtime. The two teams would continue their weekend set Saturday in New Hampshire, where Manchester would take a 6-3 decision. Adirondack and Manchester finish up their three game series on Monday afternoon in Glens Falls, then the Thunder will host the ECHL All Star Game on Wednesday evening. Adirondack will hit the road for the weekend, starting Friday in Reading then heading south to Norfolk on Saturday.

This Week’s Schedule:

A big divisional week lies ahead for the Devils. On Wednesday, they will host Syracuse for the first time all season in a 1st vs. 2nd battle. Then it’s off to Newfoundland for the next two, as they face St. John’s on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.