BINGHAMTON, NY — Jim O’Brien scored the game-winning goal 22 seconds into overtime to give the Albany Devils a 2-1 victory against the Binghamton Senators Friday at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena.
Playing three-on-three, the Devils wasted no time moving the puck from one player to the next below the faceoff dots. Paul Thompson and Marc-Andre Gragnani both assisted on the play after passing up prime shooting opportunities.
The win was Albany’s 41st of the season, setting a franchise records. One game after clinching a spot in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, the Devils improved to 41-17-8-2. The Senators moved to 27-34-6-1.
In goal, Scott Wedgewood, who returned from this impressive four-game stint in the NHL, made 25 saves for his 10th win of the season in just his 15th decision (10-2-3).
Brian O’Neill opened the scoring with his 11th goal of the season, giving him four points (2g-2a) in the last five outings. Brandon Burlon sent the puck from the blueline towards goal. O’Neill grabbed a bouncing puck and shoveled under Chris Driedger’s pad at 5:39.
Binghamton wasted no time with their response. Max McCormick found a rebound near the right post at 7:08.
After a scoreless second and third period, the Devils claimed their ninth victory in overtime this season. O’Brien’s goal was his fourth game-winning tally of the season and his 18th tally overall. He has eight goals in the last 11 games.
• The Essentials
Shots: Albany 33, Binghamton 26
Power Play: Albany 0-3, Binghamton 1-4
Three Stars: 1. Jim O’Brien (ALB), 2. Scott Wedgewood (ALB), 3. Chris Driedger (BNG)
• Next Up
The Devils return to Times Union Center Saturday for a 5 pm outing against the Springfield Falcons. Individual tickets for game are on sale at the Times Union Center box office or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Fans can also buy tickets via charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
