Saturday, November 17, 2007

Devils Fall Short Against Wolf Pack, 3-2
Lowell hosts Norfolk Sunday afternoon

LOWELL, Mass. – The Lowell Devils managed to rally from a two-goal deficit in the third period, but ultimately fell short in a 3-2 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack on Saturday night in front of 2,803 at Tsongas Arena. 

Down 2-0 heading into the third, the Devils finally broke though at 8:44 of the period, four seconds after their second power play of the game expired.  Zach Tarkir took a shot from the far dot that rang off of the post, but Nicklas Bergfors tipped the puck to Mike Pandolfo, who chipped it past a fallen Al Montoya. 

Almost a minute and a half later, Lowell tied the score as Benoit Mondou won an offensive zone draw back to Tarkir and broke toward the net to deflect the ensuing point shot into the top shelf.   It was Mondou’s second tally this year. 

With Lowell controlling play in the third and looking to complete their comeback bid, it was the Wolf Pack scoring the game-winner with 3:46 remaining in the contest.  Pierre Parenteau skated into the Devils’ zone and got the defense to commit before throwing a pass to a wide-open Artem Anisimov for a one-timer that beat Jordan Parise clean.  Despite a late man-advantage and two shots that hit iron, the Devils could not get the equalizer a second time. 

Parise suffered the loss, stopping 22-of-25 shots, while Montoya’s 17 saves helped Hartford to their fifth victory in six games.  

It took just 1:51 for the Wolf Pack to pick up the first goal of the contest.  As the puck was worked around the zone to the point, Corey Potter took a slapshot that Parise was able to stop with his right leg pad.  Hugh Jessiman, however, was left alone in the slot and deposited the rebound into the net for his third goal of the season. 

Greg Moore then made the score 2-0 in the Wolf Pack’s favor early in the second period when he skated down the left wing before firing a snap shot from the left circle at 3:44 of the frame.  Lauri Korpikoski and Mark Lee added assists on the goal. 

The Devils continue their four-game homestand on Sunday, November 18 at 4:05 p.m. against the Norfolk Admirals.  Following the game, join the Devils for a post-game skate sponsored by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union and a team autograph session.  On Wednesday, November 21, it’s Dollar Dawg Night as Lowell faces the Portland Pirates at 7:05 p.m.  Tickets start at just $10; call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.