ALBANY, NY — The Springfield Falcons scored three goals during the first 10 minutes of the third period to defeat the Albany Devils, 5-4, Saturday at Times Union Center. The setback ended the Devils’ three-game point streak and the Falcons eight-game winless stretch.
Ben Johnson led all scorers with his first career hat trick and the Devils’ first three goal performance since Paul Thompson accomplished the feat on Apr. 4, 2015. Netminder Yann Danis suffered just his 11th regulation loss in his 44th appearance. He made 16 stops.
Springfield’s comeback started with Michael Bunting scoring 38 seconds into the third period to make it a 3-2 score. Jordan Szwarz tied the game at 7:03 and Domenic Monardo went bar-down at 9:27 to move ahead on the scoreboard.
Matia Marcantuini shot from the right circle produced the eventual game-winning goal at 14:18.
Matt Lorito pulled the Devils within one at 17:28 with the team’s third power-play tally. Paul Thompson and Marc-Andre Gragnani had the assists, giving them both multi-point games.
Albany had established a two-goal lead after two periods thanks to Johnson’s tallies at 15:19 of the first and at 11:05 and 18:07 of the second. Two of the tallies came with the man advantage and all three goals were a result of Johnson planting himself atop the goal and finding rebounds. He now has five goals on the season and in the last six outings. His first marker also ended a six-game power-play goal drought.
• The Essentials
Shots: Albany 40, Springfield 21
Power Play: Albany 3-4, Springfield 1-5
Three Stars: 1. Ben Johnson (ALB), 2. Domenic Monardo (SPR), 3. Brendan Shinnimin (SPR)
• Next Up
The Devils conclude the weekend with a 3 pm start against the Binghamton Senators. Fans can bring their dogs to the game as part of “Pucks And Paws.” Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the 3 pm contest. Tickets are $13 for individuals and $5 for their dogs, with the $5 being donated to the Regional Animal Shelter of Gloversville, NY.
