Saturday, October 6, 2007

 

Big third period dooms Devils

Pirates score four times in the third

LOWELL, Mass. – The Lowell Devils (0-1-0-0) opened the 2007-08 season on the road, and fell victim to a four-goal third period by the Portland Pirates (1-1-0-0) in a 4-1 loss at the Cumberland County Civic Center Saturday night.

Lowell took the lead late in the opening frame.  Ivan Khomutov recorded the first goal of the season for the Devils, lighting the lamp at 14:39 of the first, off an assist by Barry Tallackson.  Jordan Parise made the lead hold the rest of the period, making 11 saves and keeping it 1-0 after 20 minutes.

The Devils spent much of the second on the defensive, holding back the attack of the Pirates.  Portland outshot Lowell 11-4 in the frame, however neither team could get on the board and the Devils took the lead into the third.

Portland finally solved Parise early in the third frame, as Mike Hoffman’s shot skipped its way home for the equalizer at 3:44.  A few minutes later the Pirates struck again on the man advantage, as Stephen Dixon potted his first of the season at 6:58.  Andrew Ebbett made it a two-goal lead at 10:28 and Dixon added his second of the period just 1:32 later to close out the scoring.  Parise stopped 36 shots in suffering the loss.

Rookie Dave Caruso backed up Parise on Saturday night as Frank Doyle was recalled by New Jersey on Friday.

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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