Saturday, January 5, 2008

Devils Triumph Over Wolf Pack, 3-2
Lowell returns home on Wednesday to face Philadelphia

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Lowell Devils ended a three-game winless streak and registered their first victory of the season against the Hartford Wolf Pack, taking a 3-2 decision on Saturday night at the XL Center.       

Leading 2-1 in the third period, Lowell received some breathing room with 8:59 remaining when Nicklas Bergfors was in perfect position to bang home a rebound after Miika Wiikman made the initial save on Mark Fraser’s shot from the blueline.  Ryan Murphy picked up the second assist on Bergfors’ fourth of the season. 

That tally proved to be the decider as Nigel Dawes pulled Hartford back within a goal over five minutes later.  Jordan Parise held the lead for the Devils with 29 saves through regulation and picked up his first win since November 25 against Portland.  

Ivan Khomutov gave Lowell a 2-0 cushion 2:07 into the second period with the help of Trevor Kell.  From behind the net, Kell put a pass onto the tape of Khomutov’s stick for a one-timer from in close the got past Wiikman.  Assisting on Khomutov’s seventh goal of the season, Kell gathered his fourth points (1g, 3a) in his first three games in the AHL.  Hartford got on the board midway through the period on the power play when Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau found space in high slot for a snapshot that snuck by Parise.    

Never trailed in the contest, the Devils were able to draw first blood at 6:36 on Joe Rooney’s first AHL goal.  Barry Tallackson took a 3-on-3 rush into the Hartford zone before dropping a pass for Rooney, who fired a shot from the right circle that found the top corner. 

Lowell received a stellar performance from their penalty kill unit that allowed only one goal over seven power play opportunities that totaled 17 minutes. 

The Devils return for a three-game homestand beginning with Dollar Dawg Night on Wednesday, January 9 as they face the Phantoms at 7:05 p.m.  All hot dogs are $1 for all fans in attendance.  Listen to all of the action live on 980AM-WCAP as Ryan Johnston brings you all of the play-by-play. Call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.

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