Devils Lose in Shootout Marathon
December 17, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
ALBANY, N.Y. - The Springfield Falcons needed 11 rounds to finally best Jeff Frazee and the Albany Devils. After a marathon game, the Falcons skated out of the Times Union Center Saturday with a 2-1 victory. Frazee finished the game with 25 saves and added seven more in the shootout.
The game began and ended in a goaltending duel as Falcon's netminder Manny Legace made 26 saves with eight in the one-on-one round.
"I think we are both trying to win the hockey game and doing what we can to win," Frazee said. "It was a fun game both ways - probably the most fun I've had in a while. But it was a tough loss."
Early in the second period, the 3,455 fans in attendance got a precursor of what to expect after overtime. Legace denied Brad Mills on a breakaway and the follow up try by Nathan Perkovich. Immediately after, Frazee stopped Cam Atkinson on a breakaway to keep the score even.
Despite the loss, the Devils still earned a point towards the Eastern Conference standings, marking the 11th time in 12 home contests they've picked up at least one point.
"We'll definitely take the point," said head coach Rick Kowalsky. "Jeff Frazee definitely played a heck of a hockey game and to his credit he struggled in the shootouts [last year]. He battled tonight for us big time."
The Devils hit two posts within the first five rounds of the shootout, which helped extend its length to 11 rounds. Springfield's Brett Lebda had the deciding goal.
During regulation, Atkinson scored at 9:12 of the second period. Cody Bass made a centering pass for Atkinson to one-touch goal a sliding Frazee.
Zajac answered the call at 4:11 of the third period while on the power play. Vladimir Zharkov's blast from the right circle was stopped by Legace, but Zajac was in front for the backhanded follow up.
The Devils will hit the road Monday for a 7:05 p.m. game at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Fans can follow the action on 104.5 "The Team" ESPN Radio.
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