Friday, March 7, 2008

 

Devils Clawed by Falcons, 4-2
Gionta scores two in loss

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In their final match-up of the regular season, the Lowell Devils were defeated by the Springfield Falcons by a score of 4-2 on Friday night at the MassMutual Center.  The Falcons owned the season series, recording nine wins in ten games versus the Devils. 

 

Trailing 1-0 the Devils looked to rebound with a 21-5 shot advantage in the second period, but instead fell further behind as three of the Falcons’ five shots found the back of the net.  Though not managing their first shot until 8:35, Springfield was still able to make it 2-0.  Liam Reddox threw a wrist shot at the net that was tipped up and over the shoulder of Frank Doyle by Stephane Goulet.   The Falcons then went up three goals on their second shot of the period, a 3-on-1 shorthanded break that Rick Berry completed at 12:14.  That prompted a goaltending change as Dave Caruso came into the game to relieve Doyle. 

Caruso couldn’t stop Springfield from making it a 4-0 contest as Viacheslav Trukhno walked into the slot and fired a wrist shot through a screen for a power play goal with 2:16 left in the middle frame. 

Lowell mounted a brief comeback in the final frame as their captain, Stephen Gionta, netted two goals.  He picked up first of the evening at 3:22 when he used the Springfield defenders as a screen and snuck a wrist shot under goalie Jeff Deslauriers.  Gionta made the final score 4-2 with 3:58 left in the game, accepting a cross-ice feed from Grant Marshall and beating Deslauriers from the near hashmark. 

The Falcons needed only 1:44 to take a 1-0 lead in the game when Troy Bodie’s turnaround shot from the far circle sailed inside the near post.   

Doyle was charged with the loss as he made nine saves in 32:07 of work, while Caruso stopped 12-of-13 in relief.  The Devils were 0-for-5 on the man-advantage and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. 

The Devils complete their weekend on Saturday, March 8 at 7:05 p.m.versus the Worcester Sharks.  Listen to all of the Devils action from Ryan Johnston on 980AM WCAP or www.b2livetv.com.  The Lowell Devils return home to face the Worcester Sharks on Irish Night on Friday, March 14 at 7:05 p.m.  Fans will have the chance to win Dropkick Murphys concert tickets.  The Devils will also be giving away Boston Celtics tickets to a lucky fan along with complimentary limo service to and from the arena courtesy of Corporate Coach and Limo.  Tickets start at just $10; call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.