Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Devils Fall Short in 4-3 Shootout Loss to Falcons
Kell records goal and assist in first AHL game

LOWELL, Mass. - The Lowell Devils were able to erase a three-goal deficit in the third period against the Springfield Falcons, but ultimately fell in the shootout, 4-3, on Wednesday Night at Tsongas Arena.

The Devils’ comeback started at 9:10 of the third when Ivan Khomutov was able to put the rebound from Ryan Murphy’s shot under sprawling goaltender Jeff Deslauriers.  Petr Vrana then helped Lowell get within one goal less than five minutes later, as he split the defense and threw a backhander into the top of the net for his eighth goal of the season. 

Recalled on loan from the ECHL’s Trenton Devils yesterday and playing in his first AHL game, Trevor Kell tied the score at 3-3 with 4:37 left in the period. The rookie right-winger fired a seemingly innocent wrist shot from the near circle the tipped off the glove of Deslauriers and still had enough muscle to roll across the goal line.  Khomutov and Murphy assisted on the play. 

After the rest of regulation and a scoreless overtime, the two teams headed to the shootout.  Though Ryan Murphy was able to convert for Lowell in round two, Viacheslav Trukhno scored in the bottom of round five to force sudden death.  Murphy was unable to score in his second attempt at the top of round six, while Rob Schremp’s backhander past Frank Doyle clinched the win for Springfield. 

Things looked bleak for the Devils over the first two periods of play.  Falcons RW Colin MacDonald gave his team a 1-0 lead 4:12 into the game with a high wrister that beat Doyle to the glove side.  After Jean-Francois Jacques made it a two-goal cushion at 3:28 of the second, MacDonald struck again on a power play goal with 5:01 left until the second break.

The win ended Springfield’s seven-game winless streak, while Doyle is still undefeated in regulation over his last five starts (4-0-0-1).  The Devils were 0-for-2 on the power play and 1-for-2 on the penalty kill. 

The Devils hit the road for a quick two-game road swing beginning with the Philadelphia Phantoms on Friday, January 4 at 7:05 p.m.  Another tough test awaits the Devils the following night at 7:00 p.m. in the form of the Hartford Wolf Pack.  Listen to all of the action live on 980AM-WCAP as Ryan Johnston brings you all of the play-by-play.   Lowell returns home for Dollar Dawg Night on Wednesday, January 9 as they face the Phantoms at 7:05 p.m. Ask about our Holiday Hat Trick; call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.

- devils -