Saturday, October 13, 2007

 

A Comeback Victory for the Devils on Opening Night

Lowell downs Bridgeport 3-2

LOWELL, Mass. - The Lowell Devils (1-1-0-0) rallied with two goals in the third period to claim a 3-2 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2-1-0-0) Saturday night at Tsongas Arena.

The Devils pressured early, with Stephen Gionta lighting the lamp at 2:56 to make it 1-0.  The goal came moments after he rang a shot off the crossbar on his first shift of the game.  Bridgeport pushed in front, however, with two goals in the opening period, despite the Devils holding a 10-4 shot advantage in the frame.  Ben Walter and Jeremy Colliton scored to make it 2-1 in favor of the Tigers.

The score remained the same through the second, though the Devils had their chances.  They held a 14-10 lead over Bridgeport in shots, with many coming during a last-minute flurry on a 5-on-3 power play that lasted nearly a minute and a half.  Joey MacDonald, who came into the game having allowed just two goals in two starts, held his ground between the pipes for the Sound Tigers.

Power play opportunities continued to provide chances for the Devils early in the third, though it was an even strength goal that eventually tied it up.  Petr Vrana potted his first of the season at 7:27, off a feed from Ryan Murphy, to make it 2-2.  At 13:06 the power play cashed in, and Noah Clarke’s short-side shot found the back of the net for the prevailing tally.  The Devils finished with a 38-18 edge in shots, and Frank Doyle picked up the win in his first start of the season.

The Devils return to the ice tomorrow afternoon against the Portland Pirates at 4:05 p.m.  The first 1,000 fans will receive a free Devils t-shirt, courtesy of Suppa’s Pizza & Subs.  After the game, fans are welcome to hit the ice for a post-game skate, free for everyone in attendance, courtesy of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.  Limited skate rental is available for no extra cost, or fans are welcome to bring their own skates to the game.  There is also a free team autograph session after the game. 

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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