Saturday, November 10, 2007

Devils Make It Three Straight Over Monarchs
Barry Tallackson scores twice in 5-3 victory

MANCHESTER, NH. – The Lowell Devils (6-6-1-0) scored four times in the second period en route to a 5-3 victory over the Manchester Monarchs (5-6-1-1) Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

For the first time in their head-to-head contests this season, Manchester put the first goal on the board. Monarchs rookie Teddy Purcell took a feed from RW Lauri Tukonen and deposited it past Devils G Jordan Parise. It was the third goal against Lowell in as many games for the former University of Maine stand-out. D Troy Milam had a chance to put Manchester up by two goals when he was awarded a penalty shot later in the period, but Parise was able to steer his attempt wide. It was the first penalty shot the Devils have faced this year.

The Devils exploded for four goals in the second period, starting with Mark Pandolfo’s first of the season, just over two minutes in. Patrick Davis and Ian Moran assisted on the goal. Monarchs starting goaltender Dan Cloutier left the game at the 5:04 mark, and backup Erik Ersberg was left to face the Lowell barrage. Barry Tallackson gave the Devils a 2-1 lead when he cashed in on a Jason Ryznar feed in front of the net. Just over a minute later, Nicklas Bergfors caused a turnover in the Manchester zone and Noah Clarke blistered a one-timer under the crossbar for his third goal in two nights. Tallackson collected his second of the game late in the second stanza on a breakaway, giving the Devils the 4-1 advantage after forty minutes.

Manchester finally solved Parise in the third, potting two goals in the first 7:02 off the sticks of Marc-Andre Cliche and Gabe Gauthier. The Monarchs were unable to even the score, and Ivan Khomutov added the Devils’ first empty net goal of the season to seal the 5-3 victory. Barry Tallackson assisted on the game-sealing goal, giving him three points on the night.

Eight Devils tallied points in the triumph, including multiple point nights from Tallackson (2g-1a), Khomutov (1g-1a), and rookie RW Benoit Mondou (0g-3a). Parise, seeing his first game action since October 14th, made 36 saves for his second victory of the season.

The Devils now have a week off before returning home for two games this weekend. They return to action on Saturday, November 17 at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Hartford Wolf Pack for the teams’ first meeting of the season. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Lowell Devils knit hat, courtesy of Pepsi. On Sunday, November 18, the Devils will battle the Norfolk Admirals. Game time is 4:05 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to meet the Devils at a team autograph session on the concourse following the game. After all Sunday home games, fans are encouraged to attend a free post-game public skate, courtesy of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. Fans can bring their own skates or rent a pair for free from the arena’s limited selection.

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