DEVILS STREAK ENDS

by Kevin Zalaznik // 12.16.2011 // Recap

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Albany Devils had their 10-game home point streak snapped with a 5-1 loss to the Worcester Sharks Friday at the Times Union Center. Albany ran into a Worcester team that has now won six of its last seven games.

“It’s an individual thing and it’s a team thing,” said head coach Rick Kowalsky. “We need to find a way to bounce back tomorrow and it starts with being a hard hockey team. We’ve slowly have been taking shortcuts at times.”

The Devils run ends after a 7-0-2-1 record at home, starting with a 5-2 win against Adirondack on Oct. 22. The team is now 12-11-3-1 overall, while Worcester improves to 12-6-3-3.

“From start to finish, I didn’t think we executed at all,” said assistant captain Jay Leach. Obviously we got the 1-0 lead, but they come right back within five seconds. That’s usually a tell-tale sign that we aren’t sharp or ready.”

Steve Zalewski was the goal scorer for the Devils. He netted his team-leading eighth goal and 17th point of the season.

Albany was challenged with the task of facing NHL-regular Antero Niittymaki, who guarded Worcester’s net. Niittymaki, who was assigned on a conditioning loan on Dec. 12, made 26 saves in his first AHL game since the 2004-05 season.

The Sharks received a pair of goals from Jack Combs and Tommy Wingles; Marek Viedensky had the other goal.

The team’s wasted no time getting on the board. Zalewski scored into a wide-open net after Joe Whitney controlled his own rebound behind the goal and fed to Zalewski alone in front 1:16 into the game. Stephen Gionta was credited with the second assist.

Albany’s lead lasted only 13 seconds because Jack Combs deked around Keith Kinkaid at 1:29. Combs struck again before the period was over at 15:10 to give Worcester a 2-1 advantage.

From there it was down hill for the Devils. Wingels scored at 11:22 of the second followed by Viedensky’s goal at 14:45. In the third, Wingels scored again at 3:39.

Kinkaid finished the game with 33 saves in his 14th appearance.

The Devils return to the Times Union Center ice Saturday for a 7 p.m. matchup against divisional opponent, the Springfield Falcons. Fans who can’t attend the game can follow the action on ahllive.com.

*****

Notes: Steve Zalewski’s goal at 1:16 was the fastest goal by Albany to start a game this season. The goal was his team-leading eighth of the season. He now has 40 points (19g-21a) in 58 games since being acquired by the Devils on Feb. 9, 2011 … Joe Whitney earned his 14th point of the season with an assist. He ranks third on the team and leads all Albany rookies … Harry Young, who was reassigned by New Jersey from Kalamazoo (ECHL) earlier in the day, did not dress … Steve Zalewski and Stephen Gionta both extended their scoring streak to two games. Zalewski has scored in back-to-back games, while Gionta has two assists … Three Stars: 1. Jack Combs (WOR), 2. Tommy Wingels (WOR), 3. Antero Nittymaki (WOR).

by Kevin Zalaznik // 12.15.2011 // Preview 

Follow the Action
Listen/Watch: ahllive.com
Tweet: @albanydevils / #ADevils

Storyline 
The Devils and Sharks are currently tied for eighth in the Eastern Conference with 28 points and the Devils are looking to avenge a 6-1 setback at Worcester on Oct. 15. Since that game, Albany has produced an 11-7-3-1 record, including a seven wins at the Times Union Center. The Devils have recorded at least one point in 10-straight home games – the longest streak in the AHL this season.

Notables
- Entering the game, the Devils own a 12-10-3-1 record and are 8-4-2-1 at the Times Union Center. The Sharks sit at 11-6-3-3 and are 5-1-3-2 on the road.

- Vladimir Zharkov had a goal and an assist and was a plus-2 against Syracuse on Dec. 14. For the season, he has two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 16 games. Zharkov is the franchise’s all-time plus-minus leader with a plus-29 rating in 139 games.

- Stephen Gionta set the Devils all-time AHL record for assists when he picked up his 73rd against Syracuse Wednesday. Gionta also holds Devils record for games played (326), points (126) and goals (53).

- The Sharks are on a roll with points in their last six contests, including five wins during that span. Their last regulation loss came against Portland (3-1) on Nov. 26.

- Worcester’s Benn Ferriero leads the team with 18 points, including a team-high nine goals. He is averaging 1.06 points per game and has produced three power-play goals with a plus-3 rating.

All-Time Series 
Meetings: 45
All-Time: 22-19-3-1
At Devils: 11-9-1-1
At Sharks: 11-10-2-0
2011-12: 0-1-0-0

Puck Drop 
Students can take advantage of “SEFCU College Night” with $10 tickets, which includes a voucher for $1 hot dog and soda. Additionally, between 6-7 pm, of-age adults can participate in “Happy Hour” with $2 domestic drafts.