Devils Drop In Overtime

by Kevin Zalaznik // 12.22.2012 // Recap

NORFOLK, VA -- The Albany Devils came within 33 seconds of their sixth win during December, but two goals by Emerson Etem gave the Norfolk Admirals at 2-1 overtime victory Saturday at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Leading 1-0 during the last minute of regulation, the Devils were faced with defending six skaters. As the puck worked its way behind Albany’s net, Etem was hit for a one-timer in front byPatrick Maroon, tying the game.

Then in overtime, Etem split two Devils defensemen off the faceoff, deked around goaltender Keith Kinkaid and ended the contest six seconds into the extra frame.

Despite the loss, the Devils still earned a point, giving them 12-out-of-a-possible-18 during December (5-2-1-1). Overall, Albany is now 9-10-1-6, while Norfolk improves to 1-13-1-0.

Keith Kinkaid made his 16th start of the season and turned aside 34 shots, including 13 in the first, eight in the second and 13 in the third. At the other end, Igor Bobkov, who stopped 35 Devils shots Friday, made 25 saves for his sixth victory.

Offensively, Bobby Butler registered his 11th goal of the year and eighth in the last nine contests. He leads the team for goals and is tied for first with Jacob Josefson with 16 points.

His tally came at 4:42 of the third period after receiving a pass from Steve Zalewski. From near the right goal post, Butler slipped the puck around a defender and sent a quick release over the shoulder of Bobkov.

The Devils were outshot 36-26 and both teams went scoreless on the power play. Albany was 0-for-4, while Norfolk was 0-for-2.

After a brief Holiday break, the Devils return to action Thursday with a 7 pm contest at the Springfield Falcons. The game can be heard on 104.5 “The Team” ESPN Radio or online at ahllive.com.

Lineup 
Goaltenders: Keith Kinkaid, Jeff Frazee
Defensemen: Brandon Burlon, Eric Gelinas, Adam Larsson, Jay Leach, Corbin McPherson, Alexander Urbom
Forwards: Matt Anderson, Bobby Butler, Stephen Gionta, Mike Hoeffel, Jacob Josefson, Harri Pesonen, Tim Sestito, Mattias Tedenby, Joe Whitney, Chad Wiseman, Darcy Zajac, Steve Zalewski

Scoring 
1st Period- No Scoring.
2nd Period- No Scoring.
3rd Period-1, Albany, Butler 11 (Zalewski), 4:42. 2, Norfolk, Etem 7 (Maroon, Vatanen), 19:27.
OT Period-3, Norfolk, Etem 8 (Holland), 0:06.

Albany Devils 1 at Norfolk Admirals 2 (OT) - Status: Final OT
Saturday, December 22, 2012 - Norfolk Scope

Albany 0 0 1 0 - 1
Norfolk 0 0 1 1 - 2

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Leach Alb (delay of game), 7:53; Rosehill Nor (interference), 11:00; Clark Nor (tripping), 15:11; Sestito Alb (fighting), 17:11; Schaus Nor (fighting), 17:11.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Wagner Nor (interference), 7:33; Wagner Nor (goaltender interference), 9:49; Zajac Alb (tripping), 12:11.

3rd Period-1, Albany, Butler 11 (Zalewski), 4:42. 2, Norfolk, Etem 7 (Maroon, Vatanen), 19:27. Penalties-No Penalties

OT Period-3, Norfolk, Etem 8 (Holland), 0:06. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Albany 11-10-5-0-26. Norfolk 13-8-14-1-36.
Power Play Opportunities-Albany 0 / 4; Norfolk 0 / 2.
Goalies-Albany, Kinkaid 6-7-3 (36 shots-34 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 6-7-0 (26 shots-25 saves).
A-4,566
Referees-Darcy Burchell (42).
Linesmen-Ryan Daisy (90), Scott Adams (20).

by Kevin Zalaznik // 12.22.2012 // Preview

Follow the Action
Radio: 104.5 “The Team” ESPN Radio
Online: ahllive.com
Tweet: @albanydevils, @albanydevilspr, #adevils

Storyline
The Albany Devils will try and avenge a 2-1 setback against the Norfolk Admirals last night with a 7:15 pm contest today. After starting the month with a five-game winning streak, the Devils have gone 0-2-0-1 in their last three outings.

Notables
- The Devils are fourth in the Northeast Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10-0-6 record (24 pts.), including a 5-5-0-2 mark on the road. The Admirals are fifth in the East Division and 13th in the conference with a 12-13-1-0 record (25 pts.), including a 7-6-1-0 showing at home.

- Matt Anderson and Mike Sislo have registered points in each of the last two games. Anderson scored last night for his fifth goal of the season and second in as many games, while Sislo assisted on the play. He now has a goal and an assist this year.

- Raman Hrabarenka returned to the lineup for the first time since Nov. 30 against the St. John’s IceCaps. For the season, he has a goal and three assists.

- Jacob Josefson missed Friday’s game with the flu. He is possible for tonight’s game.

- Devante Smith-Pelly and Patrick Maroon each had power-play goals last evening. For Smith-Pelly it was his fifth of the year, while Maroon potted his eigth.

- Peter Holland, who had an assist Friday, continues to lead the Admirals with 26 points with 11 goals and 15 assists.

All-Time Series 
All-Time: 10-22-1-1
2012-13: 0-1-0-1
Home: 5-10-1-1
Away: 5-12-0-0

Puck Drop 
Fans can hear the action on 104.5 “The Team” ESPN Radio, beginning with a 10 minute pregame show, starting at 7:20 pm. The game can also be followed online at ahllive.com.