Wednesday, September 26, 2007

 

Gionta leads Devils over Isles at Tsongas Arena

Former Boston College star nets a hat trick in Lowell

LOWELL, Mass. – Brian Gionta scored once in each period to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 6-1 triumph over the New York Islanders at Paul E. Tsongas Arena in Lowell Wednesday night.

The Devils struck early in the first period, lighting the lamp three times in the first four minutes of play.  Gionta recorded his first of the night just 35 seconds in, beating Islanders G Wade Dubielewicz to make it 1-0.  At 1:54 John Madden tipped home a centering feed from Aaron Asham to make it 2-0.  Travis Zajac potted his first of the pre-season at 3:58, with David Clarkson and Zach Parise assisting.  Martin Brodeur received an ovation as the starting goaltender for the Devils, making 11 saves in the opening frame.

At the 52 second mark of the middle frame, Gionta made it 4-0 with his second of the night.  The Islanders would notch their only tally of the game at 2:40, with Gordie Dwyer scoring his first of the pre-season.  The Devils outshot the Isles 12-4 in the period, and Brodeur finished his night with 14 saves on 15 shots.

Frank Doyle took over in net to start the third period, and the Devils offense continued to produce.  Gionta put home his third of the night at 9:01 and Madden scored his second of the game in the final minute to account for the final margin.  Former Lowell Devils D Andy Greene assisted on both third period goals for the Devils, and Doyle stopped all 11 shots he faced in relief.

In two games at Tsongas Arena, the New Jersey Devils are 2-0, outscoring their opposition 11-1.  The Lowell Devils are in action this weekend, with a pre-season match against the Islanders AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, at 6:05 on Saturday night.

Lowell’s regular season home opener is on Saturday, October 13th when they host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7:05 p.m.  Everyone in attendance will have the chance to win a 61” HDTV, courtesy of Best Buy in Nashua.  The first 3,000 fans will receive free bang sticks, sponsored by Collins Dentistry for Children.  Everyone at the game will receive a magnet schedule, sponsored by Trinity EMS.  Festivities for Opening Night begin at 4:05 p.m. with music from 100.7 WZLX, and moon bounces and entertainment for the kids behind the arena (weather permitting).

For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact the Devils at (978) 458-PUCK (7825) or log on to www.lowelldevilshockey.com .

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