Lock Monsters-Game Day Thread

[SoCalcaniac]

Did nobody listen to the game last night vs Providence? Yowza.....

Bang-up beginning for Lock Monsters

By DAVID PEVEAR, Sun Staff
LOWELL Somewhere in this land there are no doubt hard-core hockey fans dying over the NHL lockout. But here in Lowellville this pumped-up and gadget-laced brand of AHL hockey should satisfy any craving for high-flying pucks.
Especially when last night it was the Lock Monsters who in their season-opener came away with the extra point via the new-fangled AHL shootout to defeat the Providence Bruins 5-4 after squandering a 4-2 third-period lead before 6,239 fans at Tsongas Arena..

After former UMass Lowell standout Yorick Treille rallied Providence from a 4-2 deficit by scoring third-period goals at 14:27 (power play) and 18:15, and following a scoreless overtime during which Providence's Jayme Filipowicz hit a post, the Lock Monsters were revived by the shootout.

Patrice Bergeron and Andy Hilbert gave Providence a 2-0 lead in the breakaway contest before Colin Forbes, Eric Staal and Ryan Bayda gave Lowell the victory. Lock Monsters goalie Cam Ward stopped Providence's final four shootout bids.

Bayda ended the shootout with a back-handed score, wrapping up No. 1 star honors for having also scored a short-handed goal in the second period.

The Tsongas Arena crowd, with an eye on Red Sox-Yankees on the TV sets in the lobby, was moved enough by the Lock Monsters opening their seventh season of existence to on occasion change their "Let's Go Red Sox!" chants into "Let's Go Monsters!"

A Lock Monsters fan could not have asked for more in the first period of their new pro hockey season that is unlikely to include the NHL brand. Goals by Bruno St. Jacques, Staal and Brad Fast put Lowell up 3-0 after one. Ward, a 20-year-old rookie pro who was a 2002 first-round pick of Carolina, stopped 16 Providence shots in the period, including an opening-minute break-in by Bergeron, who scored 16 goals as an 18-year-old NHLer last season with Boston.

A bonus attraction for the stouthearted among the 6,239 were two first-period fights, including a top-notch affair between Lowell's Brantt Myhres, a former Providence Bruin (and for that matter, a former just about everybody) and Providence's Colton Orr. Myhres let out an exuberant howl after finishing the bout strongly.

St. Jacques, a defenseman who spent 35 games up with Carolina last season, wristed a shot through traffic that eluded Providence goalie Peter Hamerlik for a 1-0 lead at 2:18 of the first period.

Staal, who turns 20 on Oct. 29 and had 11 goals and 20 assists during a full NHL season with Carolina in 2003-04, redirected a shot from the left point by Richie Regehr for his first-ever minor-league goal to put Lowell up 2-0 at 5:53.

With Lowell enjoying a two-man advantage, Fast flipped a shot at goal from the middle point that also got through Hamerlik for a 3-0 lead at 8:34 of the first period.

The first period featured 14 penalties (seven aside), including majors in the final minute of the period for head-butting (Providence's Jay Henderson) and boarding (Lowell's Allan Rourke)

Lowell began the second period at a two-man disadvantage and Providence's Hilbert at the right post finished off a pass across the crease from Bergeron at 0:25.

Providence cut Lowell's lead to 3-2 at 10:04 of the second period when a Bergeron pass from the right boards deflected off a Lowell defenseman and past Ward.

Bayda halted Lowell's second-period slide with a short-handed goal at 16:38. He scored on a one-timer from the blue line after Mike Zigomanis won the draw in the right circle back to Bayda.

Providence had lost to the Springfield Falcons 4- 3 at home Friday night in its opener. This was the first of 10 meetings between these Atlantic Division rivals.

The Lock Monsters are back at Tsongas Arena today at 4 p.m. to take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

[SoCalcaniac]

Did nobody listen to the game last night vs Providence? Yowza.....

Bang-up beginning for Lock Monsters

By DAVID PEVEAR, Sun Staff
LOWELL Somewhere in this land there are no doubt hard-core hockey fans dying over the NHL lockout. But here in Lowellville this pumped-up and gadget-laced brand of AHL hockey should satisfy any craving for high-flying pucks.
Especially when last night it was the Lock Monsters who in their season-opener came away with the extra point via the new-fangled AHL shootout to defeat the Providence Bruins 5-4 after squandering a 4-2 third-period lead before 6,239 fans at Tsongas Arena..

After former UMass Lowell standout Yorick Treille rallied Providence from a 4-2 deficit by scoring third-period goals at 14:27 (power play) and 18:15, and following a scoreless overtime during which Providence's Jayme Filipowicz hit a post, the Lock Monsters were revived by the shootout.

Patrice Bergeron and Andy Hilbert gave Providence a 2-0 lead in the breakaway contest before Colin Forbes, Eric Staal and Ryan Bayda gave Lowell the victory. Lock Monsters goalie Cam Ward stopped Providence's final four shootout bids.

Bayda ended the shootout with a back-handed score, wrapping up No. 1 star honors for having also scored a short-handed goal in the second period.

The Tsongas Arena crowd, with an eye on Red Sox-Yankees on the TV sets in the lobby, was moved enough by the Lock Monsters opening their seventh season of existence to on occasion change their "Let's Go Red Sox!" chants into "Let's Go Monsters!"

A Lock Monsters fan could not have asked for more in the first period of their new pro hockey season that is unlikely to include the NHL brand. Goals by Bruno St. Jacques, Staal and Brad Fast put Lowell up 3-0 after one. Ward, a 20-year-old rookie pro who was a 2002 first-round pick of Carolina, stopped 16 Providence shots in the period, including an opening-minute break-in by Bergeron, who scored 16 goals as an 18-year-old NHLer last season with Boston.

A bonus attraction for the stouthearted among the 6,239 were two first-period fights, including a top-notch affair between Lowell's Brantt Myhres, a former Providence Bruin (and for that matter, a former just about everybody) and Providence's Colton Orr. Myhres let out an exuberant howl after finishing the bout strongly.

St. Jacques, a defenseman who spent 35 games up with Carolina last season, wristed a shot through traffic that eluded Providence goalie Peter Hamerlik for a 1-0 lead at 2:18 of the first period.

Staal, who turns 20 on Oct. 29 and had 11 goals and 20 assists during a full NHL season with Carolina in 2003-04, redirected a shot from the left point by Richie Regehr for his first-ever minor-league goal to put Lowell up 2-0 at 5:53.

With Lowell enjoying a two-man advantage, Fast flipped a shot at goal from the middle point that also got through Hamerlik for a 3-0 lead at 8:34 of the first period.

The first period featured 14 penalties (seven aside), including majors in the final minute of the period for head-butting (Providence's Jay Henderson) and boarding (Lowell's Allan Rourke)

Lowell began the second period at a two-man disadvantage and Providence's Hilbert at the right post finished off a pass across the crease from Bergeron at 0:25.

Providence cut Lowell's lead to 3-2 at 10:04 of the second period when a Bergeron pass from the right boards deflected off a Lowell defenseman and past Ward.

Bayda halted Lowell's second-period slide with a short-handed goal at 16:38. He scored on a one-timer from the blue line after Mike Zigomanis won the draw in the right circle back to Bayda.

Providence had lost to the Springfield Falcons 4- 3 at home Friday night in its opener. This was the first of 10 meetings between these Atlantic Division rivals.

The Lock Monsters are back at Tsongas Arena today at 4 p.m. to take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

[puck_it]

Staal, who turns 20 on Oct. 29 and had 11 goals and 20 assists during a full NHL season with Carolina in 2003-04, redirected a shot from the left point by Richie Regehr for his first-ever minor-league goal to put Lowell up 2-0 at 5:53.

haha first ever minor league goal.... that cracks me up :D

[puck_it]

Staal, who turns 20 on Oct. 29 and had 11 goals and 20 assists during a full NHL season with Carolina in 2003-04, redirected a shot from the left point by Richie Regehr for his first-ever minor-league goal to put Lowell up 2-0 at 5:53.

haha first ever minor league goal.... that cracks me up :D

[SoCalcaniac]

They don't post very fast on either of the Lowell papers or the website, but they won again last night against M-A Fleury and the Baby Pens- Staal had a goal and an assist....... so far 2 regulation goals 1 asst. and a shoot out goal... the Monsters are on a roll...

Anyone from Lowell on these boards that maybe went to the Opener of Friday night? That shoot out and Staal's goal yesterday sounded AWESOME!

[SoCalcaniac]

They don't post very fast on either of the Lowell papers or the website, but they won again last night against M-A Fleury and the Baby Pens- Staal had a goal and an assist....... so far 2 regulation goals 1 asst. and a shoot out goal... the Monsters are on a roll...

Anyone from Lowell on these boards that maybe went to the Opener of Friday night? That shoot out and Staal's goal yesterday sounded AWESOME!

[SoCalcaniac]

OK, finally found the write up on Sunday's game vs M-A Fleury & The Penguins....... and the GOAL by Staal described below..... (Canes coaching staff looking on...)

Taylor conquers nerves, goalie

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL - His heart was pounding, his knees were shaking, and all eyes were on him.
Justin Taylor, an undrafted rookie free agent, was awarded a penalty shot in the second period. All he had to was calm his nerves and, oh yeah, slip a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury, the No.1 pick in the 2003 NHL draft.

"I was pretty nervous there," said Taylor, who didn't look it when he tucked a backhander past Fleury's left pad at 16:24 of the second period, tying the game 2-2 and sparking the Lowell Lock Monsters to a 5-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton yesterday.

The crowd of 2,508 at Tsongas Arena roared on Taylor's goal.

"My knees were shaking and you're going against a real good goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury," Taylor said. "When I saw it go in, it was just exciting. Obviously every kid dreams about scoring in the NHL, but you dream about scoring in the AHL, too."

Lowell, now 2-0, seized control of the game in the third period when Eric Staal, taken the pick after Fleury, and Taylor scored 18 seconds apart.

Staal's goal was a beauty. With the Carolina Hurricanes' brass head coach Peter Laviolette, assistant coach Kevin McCarthy and assistant general manager Jason Karmanos looking on, Staal put on a show.
AND I MISSED IT!!! (SoCal kicking self for not making the trip up to Lowell :sad: )
Cutting out of the right faceoff circle, Staal kept waiting and cutting closer to Fleury. He refused to shoot until he was 15 feet out, and then he ripped a wrist shot behind Fleury at 6:52.

Asked if that type of patience can be taught, Lowell head coach Tom Rowe laughed.

"You can't teach that type of poise or patience," Rowe said. "That's God-given talent. He's only 19. That's the scary thing. He's been doing it his whole life."
"I didn't really have anything going through my mind," a smiling Staal said. "Everything kind of opened for me. When I saw him open his pads I just slid it under."

While the crowd was still cheering, Taylor poked a rebound past Fleury, assists going to Craig MacDonald and Steve Saviano. It was the first pro point for Saviano, a Reading native out of the University of New Hampshire.

"When you can score two quick goals like that, it discourages the other team," Rowe said.

And then Colin Forbes scored his first goal in a Lowell uniform at 8:52, capping a three-goal blitzkrieg in exactly two minutes, to give the hosts a commanding 5-2 lead.

Staal spearheaded a 3-on-2 break and his pass to the middle was ripped home by Forbes.

Shane Endicott scored for the Penguins midway through the final period, but Brent Krahn (32 saves) closed the door after that.

Ramzi Abid scored the only goal of the first period for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Penguins went ahead 2-1 on a Tomas Surovy tally in the second period. Defensive breakdowns led to both, as Krahn had little chance to stop either one.

Those goals were sandwiched around one by Lowell center Mike Zigomanis, who put together a strong game. Zigomanis, centering the potent line of Chuck Kobasew and Ryan Bayda, scored his first of the season following a terrific play by Richie Regehr, who kept the puck in along the right boards and found Zigomanis in the middle.

The goal was the 49th of Zigomanis' AHL career, making him Lowell's all-time goal scoring leader. That's Mona's man... go Ziggy :kiss:

"He's been a great player for us since he got here," Rowe said.

[SoCalcaniac]

OK, finally found the write up on Sunday's game vs M-A Fleury & The Penguins....... and the GOAL by Staal described below..... (Canes coaching staff looking on...)

Taylor conquers nerves, goalie

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL - His heart was pounding, his knees were shaking, and all eyes were on him.
Justin Taylor, an undrafted rookie free agent, was awarded a penalty shot in the second period. All he had to was calm his nerves and, oh yeah, slip a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury, the No.1 pick in the 2003 NHL draft.

"I was pretty nervous there," said Taylor, who didn't look it when he tucked a backhander past Fleury's left pad at 16:24 of the second period, tying the game 2-2 and sparking the Lowell Lock Monsters to a 5-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton yesterday.

The crowd of 2,508 at Tsongas Arena roared on Taylor's goal.

"My knees were shaking and you're going against a real good goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury," Taylor said. "When I saw it go in, it was just exciting. Obviously every kid dreams about scoring in the NHL, but you dream about scoring in the AHL, too."

Lowell, now 2-0, seized control of the game in the third period when Eric Staal, taken the pick after Fleury, and Taylor scored 18 seconds apart.

Staal's goal was a beauty. With the Carolina Hurricanes' brass head coach Peter Laviolette, assistant coach Kevin McCarthy and assistant general manager Jason Karmanos looking on, Staal put on a show.
AND I MISSED IT!!! (SoCal kicking self for not making the trip up to Lowell :sad: )
Cutting out of the right faceoff circle, Staal kept waiting and cutting closer to Fleury. He refused to shoot until he was 15 feet out, and then he ripped a wrist shot behind Fleury at 6:52.

Asked if that type of patience can be taught, Lowell head coach Tom Rowe laughed.

"You can't teach that type of poise or patience," Rowe said. "That's God-given talent. He's only 19. That's the scary thing. He's been doing it his whole life."
"I didn't really have anything going through my mind," a smiling Staal said. "Everything kind of opened for me. When I saw him open his pads I just slid it under."

While the crowd was still cheering, Taylor poked a rebound past Fleury, assists going to Craig MacDonald and Steve Saviano. It was the first pro point for Saviano, a Reading native out of the University of New Hampshire.

"When you can score two quick goals like that, it discourages the other team," Rowe said.

And then Colin Forbes scored his first goal in a Lowell uniform at 8:52, capping a three-goal blitzkrieg in exactly two minutes, to give the hosts a commanding 5-2 lead.

Staal spearheaded a 3-on-2 break and his pass to the middle was ripped home by Forbes.

Shane Endicott scored for the Penguins midway through the final period, but Brent Krahn (32 saves) closed the door after that.

Ramzi Abid scored the only goal of the first period for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Penguins went ahead 2-1 on a Tomas Surovy tally in the second period. Defensive breakdowns led to both, as Krahn had little chance to stop either one.

Those goals were sandwiched around one by Lowell center Mike Zigomanis, who put together a strong game. Zigomanis, centering the potent line of Chuck Kobasew and Ryan Bayda, scored his first of the season following a terrific play by Richie Regehr, who kept the puck in along the right boards and found Zigomanis in the middle.

The goal was the 49th of Zigomanis' AHL career, making him Lowell's all-time goal scoring leader. That's Mona's man... go Ziggy :kiss:

"He's been a great player for us since he got here," Rowe said.

[Tatfever]

All I can say is that it is a total treat to watch Staal this year in Lowell. Both of those goals were things of beauty. You fans definitely have a superstar in the making with this kid. WOW!!!!!

[Tatfever]

All I can say is that it is a total treat to watch Staal this year in Lowell. Both of those goals were things of beauty. You fans definitely have a superstar in the making with this kid. WOW!!!!!

[guinevere]

The first period featured 14 penalties (seven aside), including majors in the final minute of the period for head-butting (Providence's Jay Henderson) and boarding (Lowell's Allan Rourke)


Rourke was suspended for three games because of his actions during the Providence game.

[guinevere]

The first period featured 14 penalties (seven aside), including majors in the final minute of the period for head-butting (Providence's Jay Henderson) and boarding (Lowell's Allan Rourke)


Rourke was suspended for three games because of his actions during the Providence game.

[puck_it]

what about the headbutting major... was that guy suspended?

[puck_it]

what about the headbutting major... was that guy suspended?

[Mona]

The goal was the 49th of Zigomanis' AHL career, making him Lowell's all-time goal scoring leader. That's Mona's man... go Ziggy :kiss:

"He's been a great player for us since he got here," Rowe said.


Thanks girl for the info.. I hope Ziggy can make his way back down to Raleigh when and IF we have a season.. :sad:

[Mona]

The goal was the 49th of Zigomanis' AHL career, making him Lowell's all-time goal scoring leader. That's Mona's man... go Ziggy :kiss:

"He's been a great player for us since he got here," Rowe said.


Thanks girl for the info.. I hope Ziggy can make his way back down to Raleigh when and IF we have a season.. :sad:

[SoCalcaniac]

We need a season and Ziggy back down here so Section 328 can do the Zig-O-Manis chant when he comes on the ice LOL ;)

Don't forget- the Lock Monsters play the Portland Pirates tonight at 7pm.... Let's hope for a continued offensive explosion by our guys.... :D And Cam should probably start in net.....

[SoCalcaniac]

We need a season and Ziggy back down here so Section 328 can do the Zig-O-Manis chant when he comes on the ice LOL ;)

Don't forget- the Lock Monsters play the Portland Pirates tonight at 7pm.... Let's hope for a continued offensive explosion by our guys.... :D And Cam should probably start in net.....

[AbNormal27]

Tue, October 19, 2004

Lowell's Rourke suspended for 3

The American Hockey League announced today that Lowell Lock Monsters defenseman Allan Rourke has been suspended for three (3) regular season games as a result of his actions in an October 16, 2004, AHL game vs. Providence.

Rourke will miss Lowell’s next three games: Wed., Oct. 20 vs. Portland; Fri., Oct. 22 at Providence; and Sat., Oct. 23 vs. Portland.

That must have been some hit.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Tue, October 19, 2004

Lowell's Rourke suspended for 3

The American Hockey League announced today that Lowell Lock Monsters defenseman Allan Rourke has been suspended for three (3) regular season games as a result of his actions in an October 16, 2004, AHL game vs. Providence.

Rourke will miss Lowell’s next three games: Wed., Oct. 20 vs. Portland; Fri., Oct. 22 at Providence; and Sat., Oct. 23 vs. Portland.

That must have been some hit.

Aaryn

[Captain Slack]

Monsters win 5-3! They're off to one helluva start!!! :cool:

[Captain Slack]

Monsters win 5-3! They're off to one helluva start!!! :cool:

[SoCalcaniac]

They are off to quite a start- I wasn't happy with Staal's bad penalty when he cross checked Darcy Virot, but he probably deserved it, and it was one of those young-guy-getting-ticked off kinda things.... so I'm good with it- Staal is on a 3 game points streak and Cam is 2-0...... sounds like our core guys- Bruno, Ryan, Ziggy etc., are thriving up there..... some good news in all of this gloom!

Ryan Johnston, the Monsters announcer said JR was in the building- apparently alot of NHL types (scouts, etc) were in the bldg.... there were probably more of them than fans- they say 1,200 were there, but I'm skeptical- given what was happening in NYC last night ;)

That must have been some hit.

Well, that's the funny part- they didn't even call a penalty on that Rourke hit- initially, the play -by-play guys caught it and said Hilbert turned at the last second and there was his back and their take was that the AHL had stated to the coached that they were going to be policing hits from behind. Coach Rowe said in last night's pregame that he talked with Allan, and of course he didn't mean it, and they wouldn't protest or anything, although they thought the the punishment was harsh. Soooooo, kinda sounds like the NHL (if we were playing).....

I looked online at the Lowell Sun and the Eagle Tribune, I think they forgot an AHL game was being played- :D No write up yet.....

2 games this weekend, let the boys continue the winning streak!

[/quote]

[SoCalcaniac]

They are off to quite a start- I wasn't happy with Staal's bad penalty when he cross checked Darcy Virot, but he probably deserved it, and it was one of those young-guy-getting-ticked off kinda things.... so I'm good with it- Staal is on a 3 game points streak and Cam is 2-0...... sounds like our core guys- Bruno, Ryan, Ziggy etc., are thriving up there..... some good news in all of this gloom!

Ryan Johnston, the Monsters announcer said JR was in the building- apparently alot of NHL types (scouts, etc) were in the bldg.... there were probably more of them than fans- they say 1,200 were there, but I'm skeptical- given what was happening in NYC last night ;)

That must have been some hit.

Well, that's the funny part- they didn't even call a penalty on that Rourke hit- initially, the play -by-play guys caught it and said Hilbert turned at the last second and there was his back and their take was that the AHL had stated to the coached that they were going to be policing hits from behind. Coach Rowe said in last night's pregame that he talked with Allan, and of course he didn't mean it, and they wouldn't protest or anything, although they thought the the punishment was harsh. Soooooo, kinda sounds like the NHL (if we were playing).....

I looked online at the Lowell Sun and the Eagle Tribune, I think they forgot an AHL game was being played- :D No write up yet.....

2 games this weekend, let the boys continue the winning streak!

[/quote]

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

[Anonymous]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

Since the Pirates are the Caps affliate- that would probably be a really good assessment- hubby and I thought the same thing, because the game was VERY CHIPPY and Verot was all over Staal last night, and the announcers made it clear that the Portland team was doing all it could to 'intimidate' Lowell- e.g Portland has a much 'bigger' team than ours and they were trying to intimidate..... they'll see em again in Portland over the weekend sooooo I'm sure we'll see more...

[Anonymous]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

Since the Pirates are the Caps affliate- that would probably be a really good assessment- hubby and I thought the same thing, because the game was VERY CHIPPY and Verot was all over Staal last night, and the announcers made it clear that the Portland team was doing all it could to 'intimidate' Lowell- e.g Portland has a much 'bigger' team than ours and they were trying to intimidate..... they'll see em again in Portland over the weekend sooooo I'm sure we'll see more...

[LLM639]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops, it was game 7. And even with a hockey game on, the crowd went a bit nutty during the hockey game when Damon hit the grand slam. People were looking up at the club seats to see the TV. Not the ice.

And yes, there was a cavalcade of people there last night including JR. No Karmanos nor Laviolette or McCarthy or Daniels. Also there last night was Ron Hextall, Glen Hanlon, George McPhee, Kevin Maxwell, Rourke's agent, two other agents and some other minor league scouts. The rink is a very interesting place to be these days, and not just for the hockey games.

I believe the goalies are in a rotation at this point. Fast is wearing the C with Bayda and Kobasew wearing the A. Kobasew wears the C on the road. Sat night should be interesting at Portland and game 1 of the world series. I think 500 people attending that game may be generous but that means all the more room for the fans.

[LLM639]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops, it was game 7. And even with a hockey game on, the crowd went a bit nutty during the hockey game when Damon hit the grand slam. People were looking up at the club seats to see the TV. Not the ice.

And yes, there was a cavalcade of people there last night including JR. No Karmanos nor Laviolette or McCarthy or Daniels. Also there last night was Ron Hextall, Glen Hanlon, George McPhee, Kevin Maxwell, Rourke's agent, two other agents and some other minor league scouts. The rink is a very interesting place to be these days, and not just for the hockey games.

I believe the goalies are in a rotation at this point. Fast is wearing the C with Bayda and Kobasew wearing the A. Kobasew wears the C on the road. Sat night should be interesting at Portland and game 1 of the world series. I think 500 people attending that game may be generous but that means all the more room for the fans.

[SoCalcaniac]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops, it was game 7.

I told Hubby that had to be "paid" attendence because no way there could be that many people there with all that happened last night! R. Johnston mentioned several times the crowd had one eye on the TVs in the arena- LOL.....

As for all of the visitors, I expect there will be plenty of people in and out of AHL arenas with impressive NHL credentials like Hextall and all of the GMs, scouts and all that................I'll be looking for folks in Norfolk - we're going tommorow to catch the Admirals vs. Wilkes Barre. Too bad Ruutu is not healthy... :sad:

I also think it's cool that every game on the internet broadcast they 'welcome listeners from Raleigh and Calgary' to the broadcast...... very cool move.

[SoCalcaniac]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops, it was game 7.

I told Hubby that had to be "paid" attendence because no way there could be that many people there with all that happened last night! R. Johnston mentioned several times the crowd had one eye on the TVs in the arena- LOL.....

As for all of the visitors, I expect there will be plenty of people in and out of AHL arenas with impressive NHL credentials like Hextall and all of the GMs, scouts and all that................I'll be looking for folks in Norfolk - we're going tommorow to catch the Admirals vs. Wilkes Barre. Too bad Ruutu is not healthy... :sad:

I also think it's cool that every game on the internet broadcast they 'welcome listeners from Raleigh and Calgary' to the broadcast...... very cool move.

[cmw00]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

Yep thats the same guy! Also Boogie beat him up pretty good in the next game vs. the caps I think it was. (wish we still had boogie)

On a side not, I think Danny Richmond fought Verot in the game on the 20th. So go Danny boy!

[cmw00]

Darcy Verot...isn't he the guy Bruno fought that game that Craig did the infamous cut throat at Doig? And the N&O had that crazy picture of him with his hair flying everywhere? A little animosity, perhaps?

Yep thats the same guy! Also Boogie beat him up pretty good in the next game vs. the caps I think it was. (wish we still had boogie)

On a side not, I think Danny Richmond fought Verot in the game on the 20th. So go Danny boy!

[Canesluver]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops

Attendance posted is always the number of tickets sold. The attendance figure has absolutely nothing to do with how many bodies are parked in the seats.

[Canesluver]

mmm....1,200 people, I don't think so. 750 tops

Attendance posted is always the number of tickets sold. The attendance figure has absolutely nothing to do with how many bodies are parked in the seats.

[SoCalcaniac]

Can the Monsters extend the winning streak? Lowell vs. Providence in a rematch from last weekend... in Providence, game time is 7:05 pm........... www.broadcastmonters.com

I'll be in Norfolk tonight to watch Admirals vs Baby Penguins- should be a fun quick weekend trip up... so I'll have to find updates up there.......Have a great weekend everyone!

[SoCalcaniac]

Can the Monsters extend the winning streak? Lowell vs. Providence in a rematch from last weekend... in Providence, game time is 7:05 pm........... www.broadcastmonters.com

I'll be in Norfolk tonight to watch Admirals vs Baby Penguins- should be a fun quick weekend trip up... so I'll have to find updates up there.......Have a great weekend everyone!

[Mona]

Enjoy SoCal.. :spin:

[Mona]

Enjoy SoCal.. :spin:

[SoCalcaniac]

Enjoy SoCal.. :spin:

Will do.....


And in more Lock Monsters news.....

Three cheers for unbeaten Lowell

By ROB BRADFORD, Sun Staff
LOWELL Three cheers told the story.
The first, coming with the game between the Lowell Lock Monsters and Portland Pirates locked at 3-3 with just more than five minutes left, had more to do with the portable radios and lobby television sets than anything on the ice. The Boston Red Sox, the team responsible for thinning out the 1,215 announced attendance, had just taken a 6-0 lead on the New York Yankees.

"We knew what was going on," said Lowell coach Tom Rowe. "We knew the Red Sox must have done something pretty good."

Three minutes later, it was the Lock Monsters' turn to revel in their fans' exultation.

With 2:42 remaining, Chuck Kobasew popped in a rebound off teammate's Sean Curry's blast to hand Lowell a one-goal lead. After Kobasew dropped in an open-netter 2:20 later, the Lock Monsters had garnered the ultimate 'hoorah' by claiming a 5-3 win over the previously unbeaten Pirates.

"We knew this was a big game for us," said Lowell's Eric Staal, whose team is now one win away from matching last year's opening mark of 4-0. "It was probably more of a grind, and we had to battle a little more than the first two, but we got it done."

While the Lock Monsters are still tempering their optimism, they are quite content in the state they currently find themselves.

"We've got a great bunch of guys," said Rowe, whose team was outshot by Portland, 31-30, but was buoyed by the performance of goalie Cam Ward (28 saves). "The chemistry in the locker room is terrific. Even when we hit a bump in the road these guys fix it and get back on track. That's how it was in the first two games and that's how it was tonight."

Although it was the Pirates who got on the board first via a Trent Whitfield goal 7:21 into the game, it was Lowell which finished off the frame still carrying the momentum built from the previous two contests.

First came Forbes finishing off a scramble in front of Portland goalie Maxime Ouellet with his second goal of the season. The score was assisted by Staal and St. Jacques.

Two minutes and thirty-five seconds later, another scramble in front of Ouellet and another goal for Lowell.

This time it was Lynn Loyns' turn, flipping the puck over the left shoulder of Ouellet to give Lowell the lead in shots (8-7) and on the scoreboard (2-1). The only thing tarnishing the right wing's first goal of the season came immediately after the score when he was whistled for roughing, responding to a push from behind by the Pirates' Vertot.

While Portland was picking up the pace in the second period, outshooting Lowell 10-2 through the frame's first three-quarters, the Lock Monsters were biding their time for another quality scoring chance. It came with 4:18 left until the second intermission.

Craig MacDonald parked himself in front of Ouellet, gathered in a perfect pass from the corner from Loyns and rifled his first goal under the Portland goalie's pads for a 3-1 Lowell advantage.

But just as the Red Sox and Yankees were taking the field in New York, the Pirates got a head start on making the home crowd a bit uneasy. With Staal in the penalty box for cross checking, Whitfield netted his second of the game with just 1:59 left in the period on a flip-shot just in front of Ward.

It sent the teams into the third with Lowell carrying a one-goal lead, but Portland boasting the momentum. Brooks Laich of the Pirates used the tide-turning to tie the game with 15:54 left in the game. But that would be the last of the celebrations for the visitors.

[SoCalcaniac]

Enjoy SoCal.. :spin:

Will do.....


And in more Lock Monsters news.....

Three cheers for unbeaten Lowell

By ROB BRADFORD, Sun Staff
LOWELL Three cheers told the story.
The first, coming with the game between the Lowell Lock Monsters and Portland Pirates locked at 3-3 with just more than five minutes left, had more to do with the portable radios and lobby television sets than anything on the ice. The Boston Red Sox, the team responsible for thinning out the 1,215 announced attendance, had just taken a 6-0 lead on the New York Yankees.

"We knew what was going on," said Lowell coach Tom Rowe. "We knew the Red Sox must have done something pretty good."

Three minutes later, it was the Lock Monsters' turn to revel in their fans' exultation.

With 2:42 remaining, Chuck Kobasew popped in a rebound off teammate's Sean Curry's blast to hand Lowell a one-goal lead. After Kobasew dropped in an open-netter 2:20 later, the Lock Monsters had garnered the ultimate 'hoorah' by claiming a 5-3 win over the previously unbeaten Pirates.

"We knew this was a big game for us," said Lowell's Eric Staal, whose team is now one win away from matching last year's opening mark of 4-0. "It was probably more of a grind, and we had to battle a little more than the first two, but we got it done."

While the Lock Monsters are still tempering their optimism, they are quite content in the state they currently find themselves.

"We've got a great bunch of guys," said Rowe, whose team was outshot by Portland, 31-30, but was buoyed by the performance of goalie Cam Ward (28 saves). "The chemistry in the locker room is terrific. Even when we hit a bump in the road these guys fix it and get back on track. That's how it was in the first two games and that's how it was tonight."

Although it was the Pirates who got on the board first via a Trent Whitfield goal 7:21 into the game, it was Lowell which finished off the frame still carrying the momentum built from the previous two contests.

First came Forbes finishing off a scramble in front of Portland goalie Maxime Ouellet with his second goal of the season. The score was assisted by Staal and St. Jacques.

Two minutes and thirty-five seconds later, another scramble in front of Ouellet and another goal for Lowell.

This time it was Lynn Loyns' turn, flipping the puck over the left shoulder of Ouellet to give Lowell the lead in shots (8-7) and on the scoreboard (2-1). The only thing tarnishing the right wing's first goal of the season came immediately after the score when he was whistled for roughing, responding to a push from behind by the Pirates' Vertot.

While Portland was picking up the pace in the second period, outshooting Lowell 10-2 through the frame's first three-quarters, the Lock Monsters were biding their time for another quality scoring chance. It came with 4:18 left until the second intermission.

Craig MacDonald parked himself in front of Ouellet, gathered in a perfect pass from the corner from Loyns and rifled his first goal under the Portland goalie's pads for a 3-1 Lowell advantage.

But just as the Red Sox and Yankees were taking the field in New York, the Pirates got a head start on making the home crowd a bit uneasy. With Staal in the penalty box for cross checking, Whitfield netted his second of the game with just 1:59 left in the period on a flip-shot just in front of Ward.

It sent the teams into the third with Lowell carrying a one-goal lead, but Portland boasting the momentum. Brooks Laich of the Pirates used the tide-turning to tie the game with 15:54 left in the game. But that would be the last of the celebrations for the visitors.

[Captain Slack]

Lock Monsters dropped their first game tonight at Providence 6-2. Ryan Bayda scored for the Monsters and Eric Staal continued his scoring streak with two assists. Staal has been on fire so far this year! Why can't he be playing in the NHL like this? :sad:

[Captain Slack]

Lock Monsters dropped their first game tonight at Providence 6-2. Ryan Bayda scored for the Monsters and Eric Staal continued his scoring streak with two assists. Staal has been on fire so far this year! Why can't he be playing in the NHL like this? :sad:

[guinevere]

I could have done the math wrong but just looking at the box score it appears we had 6 guys in the penalty box at one time. Craig McDonald with 15 penalty minutes by the second period? Thats crazy talk.

[guinevere]

I could have done the math wrong but just looking at the box score it appears we had 6 guys in the penalty box at one time. Craig McDonald with 15 penalty minutes by the second period? Thats crazy talk.

[nccanes]

I listened to the 3rd period and the announcers referred to the fight as "5 on 5", so I think they were all paired off fighting at one point. They also mentioned that 3 (I think 3) had been tossed and were enjoying (literally enjoying) watching the game in the stands. So maybe there was more room in the penalty box.

They also mentioned that tomorrow's game had been moved to 4:05 so that there wouldn't be the conflict with the World Series Game 1.

[nccanes]

I listened to the 3rd period and the announcers referred to the fight as "5 on 5", so I think they were all paired off fighting at one point. They also mentioned that 3 (I think 3) had been tossed and were enjoying (literally enjoying) watching the game in the stands. So maybe there was more room in the penalty box.

They also mentioned that tomorrow's game had been moved to 4:05 so that there wouldn't be the conflict with the World Series Game 1.

[nccanes]

Listening to the 3rd period today, the announcers said that Bruno has an injured hand from last night's game. They don't suspect a serious injury, but they will xray his hand again when they return to Lowell. He's not playing today.

[nccanes]

Listening to the 3rd period today, the announcers said that Bruno has an injured hand from last night's game. They don't suspect a serious injury, but they will xray his hand again when they return to Lowell. He's not playing today.

[Captain Slack]

Lock Monsters lost in OT, 3-2. :sad:

Staal's streak continues!!! He scored the Monsters 2nd goal. Go Eric!

[Captain Slack]

Lock Monsters lost in OT, 3-2. :sad:

Staal's streak continues!!! He scored the Monsters 2nd goal. Go Eric!

[nccanes]

A photo of Mr. Staal from the Lock Monsters site.

http://www.lockmonsters.com/upload_images//news/ericstaal3.jpg

It's great to see Eric doing so well, a silver lining for he and Ward (and a few others) during this lockout. It would be wonderful to have a season begin in January, so those that have had this AHL time could put it to good use this season.

The OT Winner was a shorthanded goal too. The broadcast indicated it was an ugly turnover (by Ziggy) that resulted in a 2 on 1. Sounded like the Monsters played very well most of the game.

[nccanes]

A photo of Mr. Staal from the Lock Monsters site.

http://www.lockmonsters.com/upload_images//news/ericstaal3.jpg

It's great to see Eric doing so well, a silver lining for he and Ward (and a few others) during this lockout. It would be wonderful to have a season begin in January, so those that have had this AHL time could put it to good use this season.

The OT Winner was a shorthanded goal too. The broadcast indicated it was an ugly turnover (by Ziggy) that resulted in a 2 on 1. Sounded like the Monsters played very well most of the game.

[SoCalcaniac]

Friday night's game from the Lowell Sun......

Boyes, B's bounce Monsters

PROVIDENCE, R.I. Top Boston Bruins prospect Brad Boyes collected a hat trick to lead the Providence Bruins to a 6-2 victory over the Lock Monsters during a penalty-filled American Hockey League game last night. Lowell played without three players Ric

By the time the first period ended, Providence had taken a 4-1 lead on two goals by Boyes, and single tallies by Martin Samuelsson and Andy Hilbert. In the second period, Hilbert made it 5-1 with his second goal before Kobasew sliced the lead to 5-2.
Boyes scored into an empty net with 1:30 left. Brent Krahn made 31 saves in Lowell's net. Ex-BU defenseman Pat Aufiero notched three assists for Providence.
Providence has now earned at least a point in 22 straight games against Lowell, extending back to the start of the 2002-03 season.

Forward Ernie Hartlieb, who scored 35 points in 63 games for Worcester last season, made his Lock Monsters debut. Seeing his first action of the season on Lowell's defense was Mike Commodore.

The Lock Monsters return to action today at 4 p.m. against the Pirates in Portland, Maine. Game time was moved up to avoid a conflict with the World Series.

[SoCalcaniac]

Friday night's game from the Lowell Sun......

Boyes, B's bounce Monsters

PROVIDENCE, R.I. Top Boston Bruins prospect Brad Boyes collected a hat trick to lead the Providence Bruins to a 6-2 victory over the Lock Monsters during a penalty-filled American Hockey League game last night. Lowell played without three players Ric

By the time the first period ended, Providence had taken a 4-1 lead on two goals by Boyes, and single tallies by Martin Samuelsson and Andy Hilbert. In the second period, Hilbert made it 5-1 with his second goal before Kobasew sliced the lead to 5-2.
Boyes scored into an empty net with 1:30 left. Brent Krahn made 31 saves in Lowell's net. Ex-BU defenseman Pat Aufiero notched three assists for Providence.
Providence has now earned at least a point in 22 straight games against Lowell, extending back to the start of the 2002-03 season.

Forward Ernie Hartlieb, who scored 35 points in 63 games for Worcester last season, made his Lock Monsters debut. Seeing his first action of the season on Lowell's defense was Mike Commodore.

The Lock Monsters return to action today at 4 p.m. against the Pirates in Portland, Maine. Game time was moved up to avoid a conflict with the World Series.

[SoCalcaniac]

nccanes- great Staal pic! it is a silver lining that he's doing so well- listened to the game on Sat- and how disappointing that Ziggy gave up that turnover for the 2 on 1...... UGH. They were really buzzing too- and sounded like a great goal by STAAL (again)

posting the Lowell Sun Article on Sat's OT loss....

Lock Monsters caught short in OT

PORTLAND, Maine Trent Whitfield scored a shorthanded goal following a 2-on-1 rush with Shaone Morrisonn, handing Portland a 3-2 overtime victory yesterday over the Lowell Lock Monsters yesterday.

Lowell earned a point, but dropped its second straight road game after opening with three straight home victories.

On the winning goal, Whitfield took advantage of a Lowell miscue to race in with Morrisonn, and his shot sailed past Cam Ward (27 saves) at 3:15 of overtime.

Maxime Ouellet was outstanding in Portland's net, stopping 37 of 39 shots.

Lowell's goals came from Chuck Kobasew and Eric Staal, who finished with a game-high seven shots.
Portland took a 1-0 at 4:09 of the second period when Jeff Paul blasted a shot over the glove hand of Ward. Lowell tied it later in the period when Mike Zigomanis nicely set up Kobasew, a former Boston College product, for a goal.


Staal, Lowell's 19-year-old star, gave Lowell its only lead at 10:27 of the second period when he snuck a shot from in front past Ouellet following a Colin Forbes pass.
Staal, who has eight points, has scored a point in all five of Lowell's games.

But the Pirates forced overtime when Michel Periard scored on the power play with 5:56 left in regulation.

Lowell had the only three shots of overtime before Whitfield's winning tally.

The Lock Monsters host Hartford next Friday at Tsongas

[SoCalcaniac]

nccanes- great Staal pic! it is a silver lining that he's doing so well- listened to the game on Sat- and how disappointing that Ziggy gave up that turnover for the 2 on 1...... UGH. They were really buzzing too- and sounded like a great goal by STAAL (again)

posting the Lowell Sun Article on Sat's OT loss....

Lock Monsters caught short in OT

PORTLAND, Maine Trent Whitfield scored a shorthanded goal following a 2-on-1 rush with Shaone Morrisonn, handing Portland a 3-2 overtime victory yesterday over the Lowell Lock Monsters yesterday.

Lowell earned a point, but dropped its second straight road game after opening with three straight home victories.

On the winning goal, Whitfield took advantage of a Lowell miscue to race in with Morrisonn, and his shot sailed past Cam Ward (27 saves) at 3:15 of overtime.

Maxime Ouellet was outstanding in Portland's net, stopping 37 of 39 shots.

Lowell's goals came from Chuck Kobasew and Eric Staal, who finished with a game-high seven shots.
Portland took a 1-0 at 4:09 of the second period when Jeff Paul blasted a shot over the glove hand of Ward. Lowell tied it later in the period when Mike Zigomanis nicely set up Kobasew, a former Boston College product, for a goal.


Staal, Lowell's 19-year-old star, gave Lowell its only lead at 10:27 of the second period when he snuck a shot from in front past Ouellet following a Colin Forbes pass.
Staal, who has eight points, has scored a point in all five of Lowell's games.

But the Pirates forced overtime when Michel Periard scored on the power play with 5:56 left in regulation.

Lowell had the only three shots of overtime before Whitfield's winning tally.

The Lock Monsters host Hartford next Friday at Tsongas

[LLM639]

I read the Lowell Sun *recaps* and just shake my head. Either the Sun hates the monsters and gives them mininal coverage or the guys covering the team listen to the game on the radio and mail it in. It boggles the mind how much is missing from these stories!

The prov game as a brutal, a WWF match for god's sake with record number of pens on both teams with a 5 on 5 brawl. Brendan Walsh was his *charming self* and cracked Richmond on the back of the head with his elbow - nothing in the paper about that one. Patrice Bergeron gets a 10 min misconduct?! That wasn't in the paper...... injuries are never in the paper.... it's very frustrating which is why most people go to other papers and other team's websites to get info on the boys.

Bruno did not play sat afternoon. The boys did not look bad but Ziggy did have his pocket picked late in the OT. But I have to give Ziggy credit, he hustled back (2 on 1) and sprawled on the ice trying to break up the passing play on Ward, but didn't quite make it. Last year, Ziggy would not have made that effort.

And this was one of the funniest things I heard saturday - Bayda you goon! Granted someone has been spiking his punch because his game has picked up a bit, but a goon.......er...... no.

Staal is interesting..... he gets pushed off the puck alot, he gets crunched by larger D men on a somewhat regular basis, doesn't body check, weak backchecking - is essentially invisible on the ice, until he scores. Richmond gets better with every game, Ward is looking more and more comfortable in this league and someone is spiking Bayda's gatorade since his game is picking up (physical). An interesting group for sure.

Rourke should be back this weekend (3 game suspension over).

[LLM639]

I read the Lowell Sun *recaps* and just shake my head. Either the Sun hates the monsters and gives them mininal coverage or the guys covering the team listen to the game on the radio and mail it in. It boggles the mind how much is missing from these stories!

The prov game as a brutal, a WWF match for god's sake with record number of pens on both teams with a 5 on 5 brawl. Brendan Walsh was his *charming self* and cracked Richmond on the back of the head with his elbow - nothing in the paper about that one. Patrice Bergeron gets a 10 min misconduct?! That wasn't in the paper...... injuries are never in the paper.... it's very frustrating which is why most people go to other papers and other team's websites to get info on the boys.

Bruno did not play sat afternoon. The boys did not look bad but Ziggy did have his pocket picked late in the OT. But I have to give Ziggy credit, he hustled back (2 on 1) and sprawled on the ice trying to break up the passing play on Ward, but didn't quite make it. Last year, Ziggy would not have made that effort.

And this was one of the funniest things I heard saturday - Bayda you goon! Granted someone has been spiking his punch because his game has picked up a bit, but a goon.......er...... no.

Staal is interesting..... he gets pushed off the puck alot, he gets crunched by larger D men on a somewhat regular basis, doesn't body check, weak backchecking - is essentially invisible on the ice, until he scores. Richmond gets better with every game, Ward is looking more and more comfortable in this league and someone is spiking Bayda's gatorade since his game is picking up (physical). An interesting group for sure.

Rourke should be back this weekend (3 game suspension over).

[SoCalcaniac]

Yep, I know more about the games by listening to them than what is printed in the Lowell media....

Nobody mentioned the Bergeron misconduct in the papers and did he get injured because he didn't play yesterday(???)

Staal is interesting..... he gets pushed off the puck alot, he gets crunched by larger D men on a somewhat regular basis, doesn't body check, weak backchecking - is essentially invisible on the ice, until he scores.

Interesting assessment- cause if you listen to the radio broadcast, they're giving glowing reviews- we all know the pushed off the puck thing - that's going to be his achilles heel until he truly bulks up and age 19, I'll expect the D-men are going to crunch him just like they did all 80 games he played in the NHL last year;and some of the lack of body check I can see-but his back checking has been praised not only on the radio broadcast, but by the Canes coaching staff and Rutherford. We'll have to take the in person word for the 'invisible-on-the ice' observation, but listening to the games, that's not how it's being relayed. I guess perception is reality.....

[SoCalcaniac]

Yep, I know more about the games by listening to them than what is printed in the Lowell media....

Nobody mentioned the Bergeron misconduct in the papers and did he get injured because he didn't play yesterday(???)

Staal is interesting..... he gets pushed off the puck alot, he gets crunched by larger D men on a somewhat regular basis, doesn't body check, weak backchecking - is essentially invisible on the ice, until he scores.

Interesting assessment- cause if you listen to the radio broadcast, they're giving glowing reviews- we all know the pushed off the puck thing - that's going to be his achilles heel until he truly bulks up and age 19, I'll expect the D-men are going to crunch him just like they did all 80 games he played in the NHL last year;and some of the lack of body check I can see-but his back checking has been praised not only on the radio broadcast, but by the Canes coaching staff and Rutherford. We'll have to take the in person word for the 'invisible-on-the ice' observation, but listening to the games, that's not how it's being relayed. I guess perception is reality.....

[LLM639]

yup, perception is reality.... the radio broadcast is a home based thing. Ryan Johnston is a really good broadcaster and good guy (he is the only guy that announces scratches, they never do that at the games over the PA), but a monster broadcaster. I am coming at my observations from a slightly more unbiased (for lack of a better word) position.

Not sure about Bergeron and an injury. People are pretty tight lipped when it comes to injuries on the future stars right now (Bergeron et al). What I want so see is Scott Gomez playing for the Alaska Aces!

[LLM639]

yup, perception is reality.... the radio broadcast is a home based thing. Ryan Johnston is a really good broadcaster and good guy (he is the only guy that announces scratches, they never do that at the games over the PA), but a monster broadcaster. I am coming at my observations from a slightly more unbiased (for lack of a better word) position.

Not sure about Bergeron and an injury. People are pretty tight lipped when it comes to injuries on the future stars right now (Bergeron et al). What I want so see is Scott Gomez playing for the Alaska Aces!

[puck_it]

oh god i heard about that... Gomez is gonna beast the league

[puck_it]

oh god i heard about that... Gomez is gonna beast the league

[nccanes]

I enjoyed this article about Rowe and his history with Hartford/Carolina/Lowell.

For Rowe, No Escaping The Whale
October 29, 2004
AHL / BRUCE BERLET

Tom Rowe wore more helmets and hats with the Whalers than anyone in franchise history.

Player. Radio analysis. Assistant general manager (to Eddie Johnston). Director of hockey operations (under Brian Burke). U.S. scout for amateur hockey (for Jim Rutherford).

Rowe's final year on Asylum Street was under Rutherford and owner Peter Karmanos, two of the most disliked people in Hartford sports annals. Rowe eventually landed with the Lowell Lock Monsters, and after some legendary rhetoric with often-volatile Islanders GM Mike Milbury, the AHL team became affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes - alias the Whalers.

"It's a small world and funny how the whole thing went full circle," Rowe said. "But they've always treated us great. It's been real good working with them, and the big reason I got into coaching was Jim and Jason [Karmanos, the owner's son]. I watched how they treated everybody in our organization when they bought the team. They very easily could have pushed all of us right out the door, but they never did. They gave everyone a chance to prove themselves. Whatever they tell you, they live up to, so it's a good situation for sure."

But it hasn't come without some memorable moments. When Lowell made its first appearance in Hartford, boos filled the Civic Center as the Lock Monsters took the ice. It seemed fitting after Rowe, then an assistant coach, joked, "The first time we're in Hartford, I think I'll wear a helmet on the bench."

"I heard the boos, but they actually weren't as bad as we thought they'd be," Rowe said with a laugh. "I had asked Jason if he wanted to come with us, and he said, `I think I'll pass on the first couple of games.'"

Rowe started in Lowell as executive vice president and GM and became the director of hockey operations when Carolina took over in 2001. He was assistant coach for three years under Ron Smith, who decided before last season that he wanted to be a pro scout. Karmanos and Rutherford thought enough of Rowe to name him GM and coach. Now, he's worn as many hats in Lowell as he did in Hartford.

"It was good being able to work with Ron because I learned a lot, but I wanted a chance to become a head coach," Rowe said. "Jim and Jason wanted me to take over because of the continuity of knowing the players and the area."

Rowe's talent pool expanded when Calgary became a second affiliate after leaving Saint John. The Lock Monsters have added players such as right wing Chuck Kobasew and defenseman Mike Commodore, who helped the Flames reach the Stanley Cup finals this spring. Center Matthew Lombardi, who had 16 goals in 79 games with Calgary last season, sustained a concussion in the playoffs and is expected to join the Lock Monsters in late December.

Lowell also has Calgary wing Lynn Loyns, and four of Carolina's top young players - forwards Eric Staal, the second overall pick in 2003, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda; and Cam Ward, the Hurricanes' first-round pick in 2002 who was the Canadian junior goalie of the year last season.

It's little wonder Lowell is off to a 3-1-1-1 start after missing the playoffs the last two seasons.

"This coaching is easy when you have good players," joked Rowe, who is assisted by Scott Allen, the coach hired by Calgary. "It has been exciting and a lot of fun because we don't have any knuckleheads. :lol: We've got a lot of good guys with a good work ethic, so it's been a good group to work with."

The Lock Monsters will celebrate the Red Sox's World Series title tonight. Anyone wearing Sox apparel will be admitted to the Wolf Pack game for $10.

[nccanes]

I enjoyed this article about Rowe and his history with Hartford/Carolina/Lowell.

For Rowe, No Escaping The Whale
October 29, 2004
AHL / BRUCE BERLET

Tom Rowe wore more helmets and hats with the Whalers than anyone in franchise history.

Player. Radio analysis. Assistant general manager (to Eddie Johnston). Director of hockey operations (under Brian Burke). U.S. scout for amateur hockey (for Jim Rutherford).

Rowe's final year on Asylum Street was under Rutherford and owner Peter Karmanos, two of the most disliked people in Hartford sports annals. Rowe eventually landed with the Lowell Lock Monsters, and after some legendary rhetoric with often-volatile Islanders GM Mike Milbury, the AHL team became affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes - alias the Whalers.

"It's a small world and funny how the whole thing went full circle," Rowe said. "But they've always treated us great. It's been real good working with them, and the big reason I got into coaching was Jim and Jason [Karmanos, the owner's son]. I watched how they treated everybody in our organization when they bought the team. They very easily could have pushed all of us right out the door, but they never did. They gave everyone a chance to prove themselves. Whatever they tell you, they live up to, so it's a good situation for sure."

But it hasn't come without some memorable moments. When Lowell made its first appearance in Hartford, boos filled the Civic Center as the Lock Monsters took the ice. It seemed fitting after Rowe, then an assistant coach, joked, "The first time we're in Hartford, I think I'll wear a helmet on the bench."

"I heard the boos, but they actually weren't as bad as we thought they'd be," Rowe said with a laugh. "I had asked Jason if he wanted to come with us, and he said, `I think I'll pass on the first couple of games.'"

Rowe started in Lowell as executive vice president and GM and became the director of hockey operations when Carolina took over in 2001. He was assistant coach for three years under Ron Smith, who decided before last season that he wanted to be a pro scout. Karmanos and Rutherford thought enough of Rowe to name him GM and coach. Now, he's worn as many hats in Lowell as he did in Hartford.

"It was good being able to work with Ron because I learned a lot, but I wanted a chance to become a head coach," Rowe said. "Jim and Jason wanted me to take over because of the continuity of knowing the players and the area."

Rowe's talent pool expanded when Calgary became a second affiliate after leaving Saint John. The Lock Monsters have added players such as right wing Chuck Kobasew and defenseman Mike Commodore, who helped the Flames reach the Stanley Cup finals this spring. Center Matthew Lombardi, who had 16 goals in 79 games with Calgary last season, sustained a concussion in the playoffs and is expected to join the Lock Monsters in late December.

Lowell also has Calgary wing Lynn Loyns, and four of Carolina's top young players - forwards Eric Staal, the second overall pick in 2003, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda; and Cam Ward, the Hurricanes' first-round pick in 2002 who was the Canadian junior goalie of the year last season.

It's little wonder Lowell is off to a 3-1-1-1 start after missing the playoffs the last two seasons.

"This coaching is easy when you have good players," joked Rowe, who is assisted by Scott Allen, the coach hired by Calgary. "It has been exciting and a lot of fun because we don't have any knuckleheads. :lol: We've got a lot of good guys with a good work ethic, so it's been a good group to work with."

The Lock Monsters will celebrate the Red Sox's World Series title tonight. Anyone wearing Sox apparel will be admitted to the Wolf Pack game for $10.

[SoCalcaniac]

"It has been exciting and a lot of fun because we don't have any knuckleheads.

All time classic quote. Glad he doesn't coach any knuckleheads either..... LOL...

Don't forget- tonight vs Hartford and tommorow vs Worcester- got a feeling that the region is too consumed with the Sox to be into some hockey right now ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

"It has been exciting and a lot of fun because we don't have any knuckleheads.

All time classic quote. Glad he doesn't coach any knuckleheads either..... LOL...

Don't forget- tonight vs Hartford and tommorow vs Worcester- got a feeling that the region is too consumed with the Sox to be into some hockey right now ;)

[LLM639]

good story .... and yes, this is red sox nation. Baseball has even knocked the patriots off the front page. It's surreal up here. People still cannot believe they did it. Maybe a parade with 3-5 million spectators will convince them (and me).

no knucklehead = no brendl.... LOL....... of course there are a bunch of characters on that team this year, not necessarily knuckleheads.

Hartford is a big strong, tough team, with one of the top goalie tandems in the league. This should be interesting tonight. Worcester has one of the best defensive corps in the league, another interesting matchup tomorrow night.

[LLM639]

good story .... and yes, this is red sox nation. Baseball has even knocked the patriots off the front page. It's surreal up here. People still cannot believe they did it. Maybe a parade with 3-5 million spectators will convince them (and me).

no knucklehead = no brendl.... LOL....... of course there are a bunch of characters on that team this year, not necessarily knuckleheads.

Hartford is a big strong, tough team, with one of the top goalie tandems in the league. This should be interesting tonight. Worcester has one of the best defensive corps in the league, another interesting matchup tomorrow night.

[SoCalcaniac]

Our Monsters need some karma or something- we didn't have a good weekend- we lost 3-1 on Friday, and 3-2 to Worcester on Saturday.

Broadcastmonsters.com didn't get 'the memo' that the Saturday game was 'moved up' to 4:05pm instead of 7:05- OMG, we listened to the Worcester broadcast team and I think some of the kids that hang out in SEC 325 trying to get Johnny & Tripps attention could have called a better game. What did I learn listening to their broadcast? Uh, that Eric Staal was picked #2 over (he said it about 20 times in the first period alone) and that he wasn't sure, but he "thought", M-Andre Fleury got picked before Staal in 2003. OMG, OMG. Friggin clueless. Ryan Johnston was sorely missed.... :eek:

#12 Scored on Saturday after breaking his point streak on his birthday Friday night.

[SoCalcaniac]

Our Monsters need some karma or something- we didn't have a good weekend- we lost 3-1 on Friday, and 3-2 to Worcester on Saturday.

Broadcastmonsters.com didn't get 'the memo' that the Saturday game was 'moved up' to 4:05pm instead of 7:05- OMG, we listened to the Worcester broadcast team and I think some of the kids that hang out in SEC 325 trying to get Johnny & Tripps attention could have called a better game. What did I learn listening to their broadcast? Uh, that Eric Staal was picked #2 over (he said it about 20 times in the first period alone) and that he wasn't sure, but he "thought", M-Andre Fleury got picked before Staal in 2003. OMG, OMG. Friggin clueless. Ryan Johnston was sorely missed.... :eek:

#12 Scored on Saturday after breaking his point streak on his birthday Friday night.

[SoCalcaniac]

Don't forget our fave AHL team people- have a great weekend!

The Lock Monsters kick off the month of November with back to back home games on Saturday, November 6th against the Springfield Falcons (7:00 pm) and a Sunday matinee against the Albany River Rats (4:00 pm).

[nccanes]

Heh - just thought I'd drop in on the Lock Monsters game and literally it came on just seconds before the Lock Monsters scored against....Jamie Storr, putting them up 3-2 in the 2nd after being down 0-2 apparently.

[Captain Slack]

Good ole Jamie Storr! Keep up the good work!!!

[nccanes]

Lowell wins 4-3. The announcers were saying at the 2nd intermission that they thought it was Lowell's best period. I think Springfield only had 3 shots in the 2nd period or something.

But Storr couldn't have been too bad, he stopped 34 or 38 shots.


Box score:

SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Springfield - Ryan Craig (powerplay) (Adam Henrich, Darren Reid) 7:44
Springfield - Nick Tarnasky (unassisted) 14:19

Period 2
Lowell - Mike Commodore (powerplay) (Mike Zigomanis, Eric Staal) 4:03
Lowell - Craig MacDonald (powerplay) (Gordie Dwyer, Ryan Bayda) 11:20
Lowell - Justin Taylor (Chad Larose, Jim Henkel) 12:18

Period 3
Lowell - Chuck Kobasew (Mike Commodore, Eric Staal) 0:36
Springfield - Evgeni Artukhin (Jarrod Skalde, Darren Reid) 2:00

I read that Springfield will play a game in Tampa in December. I hope the Canes reconsider bringing the Lock Monsters down here. Isn't there going to be Disney on Ice or something that would require laying the ice anyway? ;) :beatup:

[StormShaman]

According to a buddy of mine, "Convenience" Storr actually played a lot better than his 4 goals against suggests.

But what the heck--Go Baby 'Canes! :-D

[LLM639]

actually storr 24 did play better last night than he ever did in Lowell and yup, Springfield is not a good team. Only 20 odd shots I think by the end of the game while Lowell had nearly 40. However, Captain Redlight did not disappoint as he let in some soft late goals (thank god). The team did not show up in the first period. Pathetic. Maybe not playing a week was part of it, but the effort was horrendous leading to a 2-0 lead by the worst team in the league. The monsters were beat on every foot race, every physical battle, many odd many breakaways by springfield - not alot a goalie can do on odd man breaks. F for effffffffort. I guess the effort )or lack of) was so bad on friday at practice, the coach threw the team off the ice. Not good. :sick:

2nd and 3rd period the monsters *showed* not losing as many foot races, heating up the physical battles and cranking up a bit of offense. However, Springfield is a weak team. Lowell should have won this game easily, but getting 2-0 in the hole, didn't help. Hopefully theboys will show up bright and early against Albany, a very skilled, quick team.

[SoCalcaniac]

I read that Springfield will play a game in Tampa in December. I hope the Canes reconsider bringing the Lock Monsters down here. Isn't there going to be Disney on Ice or something that would require laying the ice anyway?

Amen- the Thrashers are bringing in the Chicago Wolves to come play in ATL- we have to do it here- I know we'd have more than the 2,000 people in Lowell yesterday afternoon while they beat the Albany River Rats! 3-1 win over Albany- Staal received some sort of award from the Lock Monsters Boosters on the ice before yesterday's game- he has points in all but 1 GAME people! Let's hope we get to see some good goals when he comes to Norfolk.... the announcers didn't elaborate on the award... here's the Article on Sat.'s game- nothing for Sunday's yet.......

Desired response achieved

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL Tom Rowe had seen enough.
He was sick and tired of watching his power play sputter, so Lowell's head coach ended practice prematurely Friday and he let his players know in no uncertain terms he wasn't happy.

Rowe was much happier last night after the Lock Monsters went 2-for-3 with the man advantage, sparking Lowell to a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Springfield before 3,781 fans at Tsongas Arena.

"Deservedly so. To be honest with you it was awful all week," Lowell defenseman and No. 1 star Mike Commodore said when asked about Rowe's eruption. "Tom's a great coach and he gets all fired up."

One day they're being kicked out of practice. The next day they're scoring on their first two power play chances to get out of a 2-0 hole.

"That's sports. I'd rather be awful in practice," a smiling Commodore said, "and great in games."

Trailing 2-0, things looked bleak for the Lock Monsters (4-3-1-0) entering the second period.

But Lowell dominated the middle stanza, holding the visitors to without a shot for the first 15 minutes, outshooting the Falcons 13-2, and most importantly scoring the only three goals of the period to take a 3-2 lead.

Nineteen seconds into its first power play of the night, Lowell pulled to within 2-1 at 4:03 when Commodore's blast from 55 feet trickled past Jamie Storr, assists to Mike Zigomanis and Eric Staal.

"It wasn't a highlight-reel goal, but I'm not a highlight-reel player," Commodore said.

It was the first of the season for Commodore, who helped lead Calgary to last spring's Stanley Cup Finals.

Lowell made it 2-for-2 on the power play at the 11:20 mark when Craig MacDonald, his centering pass blocked, picked up the loose puck and backhanded in a shot for his second of the season.

The momentum clearly in their favor, the Lock Monsters went ahead 3-2 on Justin Taylor's third. Chad Larose set the play in motion, firing high over Springfield's net, and Taylor did the rest, swooping in front and stuffing a shot past Storr at 12:18.

Lowell, which finished with a wide 37-18 shooting advantage, looked like it had put the game on ice 36 seconds into the third period when Chuck Kobasew redirected a Commodore wrist shot over Storr for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.

But Brent Krahn (14 saves) allowed a soft goal to Evgeni Artukhin at 2:00 and the Falcons despite being badly outplayed for much of the final two periods nearly forced overtime.

With 1:30 left and Springfield on the power play, the Falcons pulled Storr for a two-man advantage, only to have trouble even setting up in Lowell's end.

It an effort to infuse some energy into Lowell's lineup, Rowe sent out a line of MacDonald, Gordie Dwyer and Brantt Myhres to open the game.

Lowell showed some early spunk and held a 13-7 shot advantage through 20 minutes but the Falcons led 2-0 after one period when they scored on two of their first six shots.

Springfield took a 1-0 lead on a power-play strike by Mike Craig at 7:44. Lowell did a terrific job of killing off a penalty to Brad Fast until Craig was left uncovered in the slot in the late stages of the man advantage.

Krahn denied Henrich on a partial breakaway three minutes later, but Nick Tarnasky put Lowell into a 2-0 hole when he wristed a shot past Krahn and inside the left post on a two-on-one break created 80 feet away when Lowell defenseman Brennan Evans failed in an ill-advised attempt to keep in the puck at Springfield's blue line.

It was a gamble which dearly cost the Lock Monsters.

In the end, however, Lowell turned on the power (play) and won.

"We've been working on it all week," Kobasew said. "It's just a matter of burying our chances. Tonight we finally buried our chances."

Notes: The Lock Monsters host Albany and exciting rookie J.P. Parise (UM JP Parise is ZACH Parise's Dad-yikes) today at 4 p.m. The River Rats are coached by ex-Boston Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek. ... Terrific job of singing the national anthem by Mariel Ross, an energetic Littleton resident who drew a large ovation. ...

Tickets for the 2005 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic In Manchester, N.H., go on sale tomorrow and can be purchased by calling (603) 868-7300.

[nccanes]

Rookie picks fine time to shine

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL

Wearing a Red Sox hat around these parts is a smart way to get fans on his side.

Scoring his first professional goal in momentum-switching fashion is an even better way for Danny Richmond, an energetic rookie defenseman from Chicago, to endear himself to Lowell Lock Monsters fans.

"I was happier for the team than for myself," Richmond said after Lowell's 3-1 victory over Albany yesterday before 2,918 fans at Tsongas Arena. "My first college goal went off about three people's legs before going into the net. Guys said if your first pro goal is a good one you'll remember it for the rest of your life, and it's something I won't forget for a very long time.

"It's definitely a proud moment," he added.

Richmond scored a goal scorer's goal a 25-foot wrist shot through a screen into the top left corner with 1:32 left in the second period to pull Lowell into a 1-1 tie and ending Ari Ahonen's shutout bid.

Just 15 seconds later, Ryan Bayda picked up a loose puck and sent a high shot over Ahonen to give Lowell the lead in a stunning turn of events.

Then, only 20 seconds into the third period, Colin Forbes gave the Lock Monsters a key insurance goal against Robbie Ftorek's club following a strong rush down left wing by Chuck Kobasew.

"The guys played hard, really hard," Lowell head coach Tom Rowe said. "They deserve it. I think you're starting to see what we can do. You don't want to get down (on the scoreboard), but you don't panic even if you do go down because you've got the guys on the bench who can (score). It's a terrific group of guys."

Cam Ward made 29 saves for Lowell (5-3-1-0), none better than his highway robbery glove save of Dean McAmmond's wrist shot from 15 feet out with 8:55 left in the game.

"You know you're in a zone when you're not thinking of anything," said Ward, another rookie. "Obviously I was very fortunate to be on the right side of that play."

"His glove save on that was unbelievable. McAmmond has a heck of a wrist shot, one of the best in the league," Rowe said.

Lowell, now 4-1 at home, kept the River Rats off the scoreboard down the stretch.

The first period was an even one, the shots were 9-7 in favor of Albany, and it should have been even on the scoreboard as well.

But it wasn't thanks to a miscue by Richmond, whose backhand pass off the boards was too soft for Mike Commodore to reach, leading to a scrum in front of the net and rookie Zach Parise poking in a goal at 9:47.

"I've just got to put more mustard on it," Richmond said. "When things like that happen, you've just got to get it out of your mind. No one feels good after that."

"He's had some good games and he's struggled a little bit, like every young defenseman in this league does," Rowe said of Richmond, who played one season at the University of Michigan and one in the Ontario Hockey League before turning pro. "Mentally, he's a really tough kid. You can get on him and he doesn't fold his tents. I said, 'Don't worry about it, just make up for it,' and he did."

Ward also wasn't happy with his performance on Albany's lone goal.

"You can't do anything about it. Anything can happen in a hockey game," he said. "You've got to let that go and rebound."

After the game, Richmond, the 31st overall pick in the 2003 draft by Carolina, rode an exercise bike before being interviewed. One hand held a water bottle as he pumped his legs, the other a reminder from his first pro goal the game puck.

Was he afraid it was going to be stolen by a teammate?

"A bunch of pranksters on this team," a smiling Richmond said.

Notes: Commodore celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday. ... Veteran winger Gordie Dwyer did not return after being drilled by an elbow thrown by Albany's Teemu Kesa in the first period. ... Lowell rookie Eric Staal added an assist for his team-leading 13th point. He has scored at least one point in eight of his nine games with the Lock Monsters.

[SoCalcaniac]

Thanks for posting that nccanes! Love that Richmond kid...... ;) And that was a really good game even just listening on the radio.......


Don't forget everyone- if you don't have work tommorow- or if you do and have access to streaming on the computer- the Monsters play the Portland Pirates @ 2pm (pregame at 1:45 on www.broadcastmonsters.com)


Let's go Monsters, lets go.......

[nccanes]

I'm listening to the afternoon Monsters game over the 'net and I missed the reason why Staal isn't playing - anyone catch it?

[nccanes]

Monsters win 3-2 in a shootout (3-1, only needed 4 shooters), Bayda sealing the win with the 4th PS. Oulette only made 1 save (on Zig) and Krahn only missed the 1st PS and made 3 saves following that.

Monsters were down 0-2 in the 2nd and scored to tie it up before the end of the 2nd.

Fun to listen to during a work day. :)

[Staalgurl4ever]

OMG! He's not hurt is he? The team needs him he's there highest scorer? I wish the website would update the injured list.

[Tatfever]

I'm listening to the afternoon Monsters game over the 'net and I missed the reason why Staal isn't playing - anyone catch it?

They said at the arena that he has a bruised foot and is listed as day to day.

[LLM639]

as aerosmith says, dream on when it comes to monster website updates on much of anything. Super short forwards since Fast and Curry were skating on the 3rd line instead of on D. Why they didn't call anyone up from Vegas/FLA, I dunno. Rourke is still out and I cannot remember why, Dwyer is injured (DTD).

But I gotta say, the shootout is great for the game/fans. Teams may hate it, I know there are others who hate is arguing it's a team sport, but they do it in soccer too. Hopefully the shootout will stay.

[nccanes]

Having watched years of soccer shootouts, from 9 years old up to International play, I think I'm for it too.

Yeah, I totally understand the naysayers - the same arguments apply to soccer shootouts, but if 10 year olds can handle losing a tournament via PKs, I think rich hockey players that do it for a living can too. :D

As we always say to the soccer kids - you could have won it in regulation or OT.

I hope we get to see one in Norfolk - with the Monsters winning it!

Any of you Lowell-ites coming down to meet all of us in Norfolk? ;)

[Staalgurl4ever]

Thanks for the info on that. I'm sure Staal will be fine in a day or two. Is Alan Rourke injured too? He hasn't been playing lately either. Is Gordie Dwyer injured too?

[Tatfever]

Is Alan Rourke injured too? He hasn't been playing lately either. Is Gordie Dwyer injured too?

Dwyer was elbowed in the head when they played Albany. He is also day to day. I am pretty sure Rourke hurt his shoulder and is supposed to be out up to two weeks.

[Staalgurl4ever]

Looks like Staal is not playing in this game either. Neither Rourke nor Dwyer. Hopefully Staal will be back next week. Since there not playing until next Friday this whole week will give him time to heal. I remember Rick Nash had a bruised foot last year and he only missed 2 games as well.

[LLM639]

ETA on Rourke is next week. The schedule is unbelievably crappy for the Monsters, almost 7 days between games this month and a good chunk of last month. Very bad for trying to get into any rhythym and if the boys don't start winning on the road, another playoff season will be gone.

Staal will be back next weekend. Saviano was called up (yeesss!) since the team is so short of forwards. Fast and Curry on the 4th line (scary). Now they are D heavy carrying 9 D next week. Who will stay, who will go......

Richmond is doing very well (very pretty, very patient first goal, waiting for the goalie to make the first move then lifting it over his pads.) A very articulate and talented kid. He was the first period guest at the fri portland game. Very impressed with him on and off the ice.

[SoCalcaniac]

Very bummed to listen on the webcast and not hear Staal's name- but it sounds like he'll be good to go by the weekend....... Hey, as long as he's good when the Monsters come to Norfolk for the Caniac Invasion- I think most of us will be happy.... ;)

Richmond is doing very well (very pretty, very patient first goal, waiting for the goalie to make the first move then lifting it over his pads.) A very articulate and talented kid. He was the first period guest at the fri portland game. Very impressed with him on and off the ice.

I was so happy that Danny got his first goal- I hate not being able to see these games on TV-I like the webcasts- but, FOX NY, ComCast and MSG are showing their AHL teams while we get nothin' ..... Danny became a fave of mine immediately last year, while watching him in training camp- I was especially fond of the blond streaks he had in hair- :lol: Then became a bigger fan when he signed my jersey at the STHer party- he was sitting with Bruno and they were just as funny as can be. He was just that close to making the team out of camp!

This 7-days -between-games deal stinks. No flow, no way to keep things going......

[Staalgurl4ever]

It said in the N&O that he has not practiced in a while. But there coach says he is getting better every day and should be back Friday. This week there only playing 3 games in a row and he should be back for one of them.

[SoCalcaniac]

Game weekend is here-- don't forget to tune into the Monsters broadcast this weekend- 3 games in 3 nights (yowza) again.....

www.broadcastmonsters.com

vs Manchester 7:05 pm tonight 11/19
vs Worcester 7:35 pm Sat 11/20
vs Portland 4:00 pm Sun 11/21

Here's hoping #12's bruised ankle is much better and he's ready to go......

Let's go Monsters, Let's go......

[Staalgurl4ever]

Yes! It looks like Staal is back also Rourke and Dwyer are back. There are in a 4-4 tie.

[LLM639]

the boys lost to manchester in the shootout sat night. A good game for them considering Manchester is one of the hottest teams in the league with the best goalie in the league. The team had the lead until late but couldn't hold it. *sigh*

Then last night..... a slower lineup and they lost 3-2 to Worcester, another hot team in the league. I hate to say it but this one lies on the shoulders of Allan Rourke who turned the puck over at the Lowell blueline and Worcester went in 2 on 1 late and rifled it past Ward. Ward had no chance.

Effort is there, but mental mistakes are killing them. THey need to focus on all 60 mins and cannot afford mental breakdowns. That is the killer right now. And if they cannot start winning on the road, no playoffs this year. Fortunately this afternoon is Portland and Lowell seems to own Portland.

Staal is back..... Richmond gets better every game. Fast was a DNP last night.
*sigh*

[nccanes]

So a win and two losses this weekend?

I listened for a little today, they were up 2-1 and ended up losing 4-5? Ugh.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Monsters in person in (less than) 2 weeks, but I sure hope they put together a little streak before then (and everyone stays healthy).

Looks like Zig and Staal continue to get on the score sheet. Good to see. Seemed like Bayda was getting some points at the beginning of the season, but that seems to have tailed off. Any thoughts from the locals?

[LLM639]

bayda = goon...... inside joke in Lowell. Monsters are victims of too many men.... literally. Curry is playing forward for god's sake becuase the team is carrying 9 D-men. Fast has been benched for the last 4 games (he is not good shall we say) but the rotation among calgary and carolina boys continues. Last night was a good game, the boys battled back, but one missed coverage late in the game allowed one of the league's top scorers to rifle a wristshot in the slot over Krahn's glove hand. Not alot you can do about that, chalk another loss. Manchester is one of the top teams in the league for a reason (top goalies, top scorers).

Much like weeding out a garden, the team needs to weed out too many players, especially with Matt Lombardi do here any day now. There are just too many people that the team is carrying and with so many guys needing ice time, the lineups keep changing around. It's time to start solidifying the lineup as much as possible (barring injuries).

Road trip for you guys should be fun. Maybe some friendly faces will inspire them, help them win on the road.

[SoCalcaniac]

I listened for a little today, they were up 2-1 and ended up losing 4-5? Ugh.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Monsters in person in (less than) 2 weeks, but I sure hope they put together a little streak before then (and everyone stays healthy).

OMG last night's game vs Manchester was brutal- they went back & forth on the scoreboard those last few minutes- I thought they were done when MAN got up 4-3 but Kobasew apparently scored a beauty (assist from Staal and Richmond :D ) but OMG, Kostopolous for MAN scores top shelf and makes it 5-4. UGH and double UGH. I was so ticked I missed the first part of the game as we were getting back in order after our long trip away and hubby gets a lightbulb moment and says "Monsters are on-oh my gosh!" so we listened to the last period. I think I should've missed the whole game, I was soooooo disappointed with that heartbreaker..... The game versus Providence on Saturday didn't endear me either. Too many friggin penalities after Rowe says on the pregame that they 'gotta play their game, not get caught up in the rivalry, blah, blah, blah'

Bayda= goon. Oh, from the sounds of it, he's found the fiesty gene.... WTFever.......

Oh well. Time for these boys to shake themselves, we gotta see some good hockey when they come down to Norfolk.....

I too am starting to wonder about these lineup changes- Fast is in the doghouse? Did anyone else see that article about Calgary getting their own AHL affliate? (Omaha, NE ) it was on TSN's site I believe......

[LLM639]

calgary is going to Omaha (moment of silence) next year...... hopefully the boys will snap out of it, the canes will get some prospects that aren't 5 years away from being NHL guys or the monster will win 10 games next year and be stocked with college and AHL players.

tonight against worcester should be interesting with worcester's strong, experienced D core, young skilled forwards, but questions in the net with Sanford and a back injury. I believe Ward will start if the goalie rotation is still in force.

[Tatfever]

...... hopefully the boys will snap out of it, the canes will get some prospects that aren't 5 years away from being NHL guys or the monster will win 10 games next year and be stocked with college and AHL players.


We should not complain one bit, no matter what kind of team we have here next year. They could win 1 game for all I care and I would be happy.
The fans in Carolina, for all we know, could not be watching any games next year possibly.
Be grateful, no matter what we have.

[nccanes]

Thanks Tat - glad you're enjoying the live hockey, even if we can't. :beatup: Any of you Lowell locals making the trek down to Norfolk?

So I see the Monsters are up 3-0 in the 2nd.

Period 1
Lowell - Colin Forbes (powerplay) (Craig MacDonald, Chuck Kobasew) 7:34

Period 2
Lowell - Mike Zigomanis (Danny Richmond) 6:52
Lowell - Richie Regehr (Bruno St. Jacques, Gordie Dwyer) 15:30

Maybe I'll listen in. :)

[AbNormal27]

Zigomanis scores and Krahn makes 29 saves as Lock Monsters blank IceCats 2-1

LOWELL, Mass. (CP) - Mike Zigomanis scored a pair of goals and Brent Krahn blocked 29 shots for the shutout as the Lowell Lock Monsters won 4-0 over the Worcester IceCats on Tuesday night.

Colin Forbes' power-play goal 7:34 into the first period would prove to be all the offence required for Lowell (9-7-1-1). Zigomanis and Richie Regehr gave the Lock Monsters a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes, and Zigomanis completed the scoring in the third.

Curtis Sanford made 16 saves in net for Worcester (11-7-1).

The Lock Monsters converted one of two power plays, while the IceCats were unsuccessful on five chances.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

The announcers talked about how well the goalies has been playing since the coaches talked about playing the "hot hand". They said that despite playing well, Ward hasn't had the success that Krahn has had and they expected that Krahn might be in goal as long as he's playing like he has. He posted his 3rd shutout last night (tying franchise record).

Presumably/hopefully we'll see Ward in net one night next weekend.

[SoCalcaniac]

nccanes- did you get a chance to hear Lavi with Ryan Johnston during the 1st intermission? Lots of praise from coach for Staal, (2nd time he has gone without a point- wow) lots of praise for Danny Richmond jumping up in the play, his poise with the puck- downplayed the 'errors' since he's still a rookie- and good words about Zigggy.

That was a good solid win last night. Glad they turned around after those 2 horrible losses.

Anyone else counting down to Norfolk???- tee hee ;)

[LLM639]

LLM booster club road trips are to Philly and Hershey I believe, day trips to other cities which is nice. But Norfolk is too far as far as I know for trips. Maybe next year the boys will get a better schedule and play team within a bus ride of us - Binghamton, Syracuse, even Rochester though stretching it.

I am thankful for hockey but in the Boston area there is a ton of hockey and in some cases, it is beter, more entertaining, faster and skilled than some of the AHL games I have seen this year. Case in point - BU/BC at BU tonight on CSTV at 8 pm. Now THAT will be a game. Tix are already being scalped at $100+ with a face value of $12. No canes prospects in the mix, but lots of other kids to look at.

[SoCalcaniac]

BU/BC at BU tonight on CSTV at 8 pm. Now THAT will be a game. Tix are already being scalped at $100+ with a face value of $12. No canes prospects in the mix, but lots of other kids to look at.

The ONLY good thing about this lockout besides the road trips through AHL cities- is this great thing called College Hockey. I am addicted to CSTV's TGI-Hockey! I have really enjoyed the games that they've broadcasted especially the New Hampshire games, U of Denver, Michigan and all the rivalries I'm learning about. It is totally awesome. I TiVo'd tonight's game just in case I get home later than planned, but I'm watchin' it- with one ear out for the Monsters vs. Wolfpack- puck drops for our guys at 7:05 ........ Let's go Monsters- let's go........

[nccanes]

Sounds like a strange game - 13 rounds of PS to win it after a scoreless regulation and OT. Zig nets the game winner. Krahn gets another shutout.

After skating through three scoreless periods, the Lock Monsters took 13 shoot out attempts before they were able to put one past Hartford's Steve Valiquette for a 1-0 win. Lowell's Mike Zigomanis scored the only goal in the shootout win, while Brent Krahn set a Lock Monsters franchise record with his fourth shut out of the season

[puck_it]

crazy crazy stuff

[SoCalcaniac]

Yeah, crazy as all get out- Not the most entertaining thing to listen to on the radio- but it was pretty good in the end- now the Sunday game, that was good stuff! 6-4 (poor Jamie Storr) and some good work by the Monsters- (2 assists by Staal and our boy D. Richmond and his fiesty self dropped the gloves to get his team going) I'd post the article for yesterday's 4pm game, but apparently, the sports dept. at the Lowell Sun doesn't post games on their website until, like a day later LOL.... I don't know what the deal is......

Krahn puts on another show, sets Lock Monsters' shutout record

HARTFORD, Conn. In an amazing duel of hot goaltenders, Brent Krahn of Lowell got the better of Hartford's Steve Valiquette, as the Lowell Lock Monsters won 1-0 in the 13th round of the shootout last night.

It was one of the top wins the Lock Monsters have had in their seven-year history in the American Hockey League.

Krahn set a franchise record with his fourth shutout and they have all come in his last five games. He made 30 saves in regulation and stopped all 13 Hartford shots in the shootout.

Mike Zigomanis was the only player to score in the shootout. Lowell's all-time leading scorer deked Valiquette and sent a backhander high into Hartford's net to quiet the crowd at the Hartford Civic Center, a house of horrors for Lowell for many years.

Lowell, in improving to 10-7-1-1, is now only 4-10-4 in Hartford.

After Zigomanis scored, Jozef Balej had a chance to extend the shootout, but he shot wide.


Valiquette made 40 saves in regulation, including a couple of sparkling ones on Colin Forbes.

In the shootout, Krahn stopped Jeff Hamilton, Layne Ulmer and Balej three times each. Chad Wiseman and Dwight Helminen, meanwhile, were rejected twice each.

Wiseman hit the post earlier in the shootout.

Lowell's other shooters were Forbes, Chuck Kobasew, Eric Staal and Ryan Bayda.

Lowell stays on the road in Connecticut. The Lock Monsters play tonight in Bridgeport before returning home tomorrow to entertain Springfield at 4 p.m. at Tsongas Arena.

[SoCalcaniac]

This was the Sat. game vs Bridgeport- UGH. They sounded like they were half asleep out there- but to the Soundtigers credit, they had the Monsters all bottled up.....Poor Cam, not getting the breaks, but Krahn doing well....And uh, the power play showed some signs of resurging last night, but they had a 5 min major and if I remember correctly they got a big Zero in shots off during that PP. :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:


Lock Monsters unable to turn on power in 2-1 loss
Sunday Dec 5, 2004

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. Justin Mapletoft scored a power-play goal early in the second period, and Bridgeport killed off a five-minute major penalty midway through the third period to make it stand up for a 2-1 AHL victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters last night.

Bridgeport, outshooting Lowell 13-3 in the second period, snapped a 1-1 tie at 6:06 when Mapletoft, the Sound Tigers' leading scorer with 16 points, beat goaltender Cam Ward from in tight for his fifth goal.

The Lock Monsters went on a five-minute power play midway through the third period when Graham Belak was handed a major penalty for boarding, but they couldn't capitalize. Bridgeport goaltender Dieter Kochan robbed Chuck Kobasew on a rebound to protect his lead, and then Ward came up with a clutch save on a shorthanded breakaway by Justin Papineau to keep Lowell close.

Lowell, playing without its all-time leading scorer, Mike Zigomanis, went 0-for-5 on the power play.

The Sound Tigers quickly foiled any hopes the Lock Monsters had of posting their third straight road shutout. The game was only 106 seconds old when the Monsters turned the puck over in their own zone and Ward found himself facing two uncovered snipers in front of the net.

Kevin Colley banged the puck home for his fourth goal.

Lowell's Chad Larose was stopped on a 2-on-1 break a couple of minutes later, but the Lock Monsters tied up the game moments after a power play expired when defenseman Sean Curry's soft backhander hit a Bridgeport defender and deflected past Kochan at 9:00.

Kochan finished with 19 saves while Ward stopped 23 shots for Lowell.

The Lock Monsters skate right back into action today when they host the Springfield Falcons at Tsongas Arena (4 p.m.).

[nccanes]

What's the deal with Zig not playing - anyone know?

He scored that 13th PS game winner thingy the other night and then hasn't played...

[SoCalcaniac]

What's the deal with Zig not playing - anyone know?

He scored that 13th PS game winner thingy the other night and then hasn't played...

nccanes- Ziggy has a foot problem- day to day......

[nccanes]

Thanks SoCal. Hopefully that means he'll be in the lineup in Norfolk (with no games between now and then).**crossing fingers**

I hope Ward will get one start , sounds like he's had a tough go of it (results wise) even if he is "playing well".

[Anonymous]

Thanks SoCal. Hopefully that means he'll be in the lineup in Norfolk (with no games between now and then).**crossing fingers**

I hope Ward will get one start , sounds like he's had a tough go of it (results wise) even if he is "playing well".

Yep, Hub was saying that last night after that wild game vs Springfield- I'm guessing Cam will get a start- and hopefully we can rally him and make him feel good and get all of our guys going- I personally want to do the FLANMAN Zig-O-Man-is cheer so I am totally hoping he'll be in the lineup- I know Mona does too :kiss: ;) I guess they got over the scoring 'drought' last night eh?? Ryan Johnston, the announcer on the radio broadcast said the boys would 'fly to Norfolk' on Thursday, (I didn't realize they flew at all in AHL but this year has been an exception) and he also talked about how this past weekend was the first real 'road trip' for the guys- they were all excited about the traditional roomate thing, etc., and that they were 'looking forward' to the Norfolk trip. Wonder if they've been tipped off about the loud, crazy, legion of fans that will be there to see them..... LOL........

[SoCalcaniac]

In case you've not had a chance to catch up with #12- here's a write up on last night's game vs Springfield and some insight on young Staal's season so far .....

There's no stopping Staal, Monsters
Dec 6, 2004
By CARMINE FRONGILLO, Sun Staff
LOWELL
Eric Staal's game is evolving, thus heightening expectations of things to come for a young player with his potential.
Staal, 20, selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL's 2003 entry draft, still hasn't reached the end of his learning curve.

But the blessed convergence of talent and maturity is beginning to enter the acceleration phase.

Staal, a center who spent all of last season in Carolina, had a goal and two assists while helping the Lowell Lock Monsters skate to a 6-4 victory over the Springfield Falcons in an American Hockey League game that was played before a crowd of 3,877 at Tsongas Arena yesterday.

Chuck Kobasew also had a goal and two assists for the Lock Monsters (11-8-1-1).

Lowell's Brent Krahn made 32 saves while earning the win in goal.

"Staal is coming along," said Lowell coach Tom Rowe. "He's good. He's the real deal. What you see is probably one of the young superstars in the NHL.


"He has a process that he has to go through like everybody his age. But being down here will certainly help him. It definitely won't hurt him, that's for sure. He's getting a lot of attention. He's getting the best checkers every game. That will help him."

Staal possesses a good shot, but also is an excellent playmaker. In 81 games with the Hurricanes last year, Staal had 11 goals and 31 points.

He has been generating plenty of scoring chances in the early going this season, but only has five goals, including yesterday's shorthanded empty net tally with 1:56 left to play that sealed the win.

"I'll take them as they come," said Staal. "Whatever I can get. I'm getting tons of chances. But they're not exactly going in for me.

"If I can score into an empty net, I'll take it. My linemates have been scoring quite frequently. It's nice to set them up for some goals.

Staal is Lowell's leading scorer with 23 points. His linemates, Kobasew (14 goals, 22 points) and Colin Forbes (9 goals, 20 points), are second and third on the Lock Monsters' team scoring list.

Yesterday, Staal, Kobasew and Forbes (1 goal) had a combined total of seven points.

"It's important that they play well," said Rowe. "They're the key to our team offensively. When they kick it into gear it seems to get the rest of the bench going. Everybody is important. But we aren't going to kid ourselves. They're the three that set the tone."

The Lock Monsters were on the power-play when Kobasew netted what proved to be the winning goal, with an assist from Staal at 5:35 of the third period. The assist was Staal's 18th of the season.

"Staal is probably frustrated (that he hasn't scored more goals), but to his credit he has kept going," said Rowe. "He keeps going out and working and grinding. It's easy to forget that he's a young guy. He just turned 20. And he's playing against men. Most kids his age are in college or are still playing in juniors."

As long his keeps generating scoring opportunities, Staal is confident his goal total this season will prove to be a net gain for the Lock Monsters.

"I'm getting a lot of ice time and a lot of chances," said Staal. "I'm getting better. I just have to keep building as I go along."

The score was tied, 2-2, heading into the third period.

Springfield took a 3-2 lead on Ryan Craig's second goal of the game, a power-play tally at 1:31 of the final period.

Less than a minute after Craig's goal, Lowell was had grabbed a 4-3 lead as Ryan Bada and Craig MacDonald netted scores 12 seconds apart.

Kobasew then upped Lowell's lead to 5-3 with his power-play tally.

"He's a gamer," said Rowe. "He knows where to be at the right time. He gets all of his chances off his quickness and his hard work. The bottom line is he's a skilled guy, but he has a blue collar mentality. Every time we need a big goal he seems to be the guy who is getting it, or he's assisting on it. He's huge to us."

Springfield cut the deficit to 5-4 on Shane Willis' goal midway through the final period.

Late in the third period, Krahn, who had notched shutouts in four of his previous five games heading into yesterday, came up with some big stops.

The teams traded a pair of goals in the second period with Allan Rourke (power-play) and Forbes scoring for Lowell. Kobasew assisted on both scores.

"The last couple of games I felt like I hadn't been playing as well as a I can," said Kobasew. "I talked to the coaching staff about playing better, and I felt a bit better out there tonight."

Brad Fast also had two assists for Lowell.

Krahn was named the Koho AHL Goaltender of the Month for November. In six starts last month, Krahn was 5-0 with a 1.65 goals against average and three shutouts.

[SoCalcaniac]

Anyone on and interested- Monsters v Hershey started at 5pm- Mr. Brawler, Brant Myhres is coming on in the first intermission....... Apparently he's got lots to say about the 'brawl'....

[SoCalcaniac]

Anyone on and interested- Monsters v Hershey started at 5pm- Mr. Brawler, Brant Myhres is coming on in the first intermission....... Apparently he's got lots to say about the 'brawl'....

[nccanes]

Anyone on and interested- Monsters v Hershey started at 5pm- Mr. Brawler, Brant Myhres is coming on in the first intermission....... Apparently he's got lots to say about the 'brawl'....

Do tell SoCal - I wasn't listening!

[nccanes]

Anyone on and interested- Monsters v Hershey started at 5pm- Mr. Brawler, Brant Myhres is coming on in the first intermission....... Apparently he's got lots to say about the 'brawl'....

Do tell SoCal - I wasn't listening!

[NHLCanes]

Lowell completed the weekend sweep today by beating Hershey 4-0. Cam gets the shutout with 36 saves.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139583

[NHLCanes]

Lowell completed the weekend sweep today by beating Hershey 4-0. Cam gets the shutout with 36 saves.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139583

[guinevere]

Lowell completed the weekend sweep today by beating Hershey 4-0. Cam gets the shutout with 36 saves.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139583

I love that kid. I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand. I"m glad Ward wasn't hurt.

[guinevere]

Lowell completed the weekend sweep today by beating Hershey 4-0. Cam gets the shutout with 36 saves.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139583

I love that kid. I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand. I"m glad Ward wasn't hurt.

[goalie33]

I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand.

That's funny, I didn't know turtles had hands.

[goalie33]

I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand.

That's funny, I didn't know turtles had hands.

[guinevere]

I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand.

That's funny, I didn't know turtles had hands.

Its a fact. :p They just hide them in mittens to keep them warmer.

[guinevere]

I heard that Leighton had crushed his hand.

That's funny, I didn't know turtles had hands.

Its a fact. :p They just hide them in mittens to keep them warmer.

[Mona]

I think Cam is gonna be a good one! ;) :spin: When he got the boot, I kissed my bear goodbye... cause I knew he would be hitting the ice.

[Mona]

I think Cam is gonna be a good one! ;) :spin: When he got the boot, I kissed my bear goodbye... cause I knew he would be hitting the ice.

[Captain Slack]

I think Cam is gonna be a good one! ;) :spin: When he got the boot, I kissed my bear goodbye... cause I knew he would be hitting the ice.

After watching Cam play the one period last Saturday, I started feeling better about Kevin Weekes wearing a Rangers uniform. This kid is the real deal! :spin:

[Captain Slack]

I think Cam is gonna be a good one! ;) :spin: When he got the boot, I kissed my bear goodbye... cause I knew he would be hitting the ice.

After watching Cam play the one period last Saturday, I started feeling better about Kevin Weekes wearing a Rangers uniform. This kid is the real deal! :spin:

[NHLCanes]

I agree about Cam. I didn't really know what to expect, because he seemed to be kind of unlucky lately - I kept hearing he was playing well, but he just wasn't getting the wins. It's hard for me to really grasp how a team or player is doing until I can actually see them. I was very impressed with him Friday night. He seemed very calm out there, and I think he's only going to get better and better.

[NHLCanes]

I agree about Cam. I didn't really know what to expect, because he seemed to be kind of unlucky lately - I kept hearing he was playing well, but he just wasn't getting the wins. It's hard for me to really grasp how a team or player is doing until I can actually see them. I was very impressed with him Friday night. He seemed very calm out there, and I think he's only going to get better and better.

[Mona]

I agree about Cam. I didn't really know what to expect, because he seemed to be kind of unlucky lately - I kept hearing he was playing well, but he just wasn't getting the wins. It's hard for me to really grasp how a team or player is doing until I can actually see them. I was very impressed with him Friday night. He seemed very calm out there, and I think he's only going to get better and better.

I agree with you. I couldn't wait to see him in goal and thought I might miss him since he played Friday night. I was very impressed at his quickness and his ability. I think whenever the NHLPA and owners come to an agreement, goaltending is taken care of with the Canes. :spin:

[Mona]

I agree about Cam. I didn't really know what to expect, because he seemed to be kind of unlucky lately - I kept hearing he was playing well, but he just wasn't getting the wins. It's hard for me to really grasp how a team or player is doing until I can actually see them. I was very impressed with him Friday night. He seemed very calm out there, and I think he's only going to get better and better.

I agree with you. I couldn't wait to see him in goal and thought I might miss him since he played Friday night. I was very impressed at his quickness and his ability. I think whenever the NHLPA and owners come to an agreement, goaltending is taken care of with the Canes. :spin:

[Staalgurl4ever]

Didn't you hear in the N&O that Lock Monstars head coach Tom Rowe and Admirals head coach Trent Yawney were suspended 10 games and also Alan Rourke and Brant Myhres were also suspended and Admirals players Jim Vandermeer and Mike Brown are serving suspension as well. Myhres is out for 7 games and Rourke was suspended for 4. The Admirals players were suspended for 2.

[Staalgurl4ever]

Didn't you hear in the N&O that Lock Monstars head coach Tom Rowe and Admirals head coach Trent Yawney were suspended 10 games and also Alan Rourke and Brant Myhres were also suspended and Admirals players Jim Vandermeer and Mike Brown are serving suspension as well. Myhres is out for 7 games and Rourke was suspended for 4. The Admirals players were suspended for 2.

[Anonymous]

Didn't you hear in the N&O that Lock Monstars head coach Tom Rowe and Admirals head coach Trent Yawney were suspended 10 games and also Alan Rourke and Brant Myhres were also suspended and Admirals players Jim Vandermeer and Mike Brown are serving suspension as well. Myhres is out for 7 games and Rourke was suspended for 4. The Admirals players were suspended for 2.

Um, yeah, see the Norfolk Road trip thread- it's well documented since most of us were there......

[Anonymous]

Didn't you hear in the N&O that Lock Monstars head coach Tom Rowe and Admirals head coach Trent Yawney were suspended 10 games and also Alan Rourke and Brant Myhres were also suspended and Admirals players Jim Vandermeer and Mike Brown are serving suspension as well. Myhres is out for 7 games and Rourke was suspended for 4. The Admirals players were suspended for 2.

Um, yeah, see the Norfolk Road trip thread- it's well documented since most of us were there......

[nccanes]

First-rounders first-rate in Monster net

By BARRY SCANLON
Sun Staff



Thursday, December 16, 2004 - LOWELL Temperatures are plunging like the approval rating of Pedro Martinez.

But Lowell Lock Monsters goaltenders Brent Krahn and Cam Ward are providing plenty of warmth between the pipes.

Each is red-hot and a major reason the Lock Monsters have won four straight and six of seven to improve to 14-8-1-1.

"They have a very good relationship. Each guy wants to see the other succeed and that's not always the case. But it is the case here," assistant coach Scott Allen said.

Ward is an American Hockey League rookie. Krahn had only 21 AHL games under his belt prior to this season.

But the pair of former first-round draft picks Krahn by Calgary, Ward by Carolina have combined to post a 2.46 goals against average and a sparkling .922 save percentage.

"They hadn't been through the rigors of the American Hockey League yet. They're unbelievable," head coach Tom Rowe said. "Both of them have been playing great. They're both No. 1 draft picks and they're both pushing each other."

Krahn, owner of a 8-3-0 record, is 12th in the AHL with a 2.21 goals against average and his four shutouts tie for the league lead.

"The puck does look bigger (right now)," Krahn said. "But it also has a lot to do with the guys playing great in front of you. Obviously there's going to be skepticism when you start the season with two young guys.

"It's nice to get the confidence of your coaches and teammates. You always want to answer the challenge," he added, "because you always want to get better. The wins are the most important thing."

Ward, who got off to a slower start, has been a virtual wall in Lowell's net as of late, stopping 81 of 82 shots last weekend as Lowell went 3-0 during a road trip to Virginia and Pennsylvania. His 2.41 GAA is the 24th best in the AHL.

In the last seven games, Ward and Krahn have allowed only eight goals, believed to be the best stretch in the history of the franchise.

Great Scott?: With Rowe still having to serve nine more games of a 10-game suspension handed down by AHL president David Andrews, Allen will be Lowell's bench boss this weekend when the Lock Monsters play tomorrow at Worcester, host Worcester on Saturday, and host Springfield on Sunday.

"I'm not the boss. Tom Rowe is the head coach of this team," Allen said after practice yesterday. "We've got a good thing going and that's all we're looking to do to head in the same direction we've been heading."

Rowe was suspended for his involvement in a melee between Lowell and Norfolk following the first period of last Saturday's game. The team responded by skating past the hosts, 5-1, and then blanking host Hershey, 4-0, the next day.

"I truly believe that what happened after the first period in Norfolk brought us closer together as a hockey team," Allen said. "Guys are standing up for each other. At the end of the day that's what it's all about."

Allen does have head coaching experience with San Antonio of the AHL and Johnstown of the ECHL.

The New Bedford native, a huge Red Sox fan, was left smiling by the Edgar Renteria signing.

Rowe, by the way, can still run practices and travel to games with the team. An hour before game time, however, Rowe must vacate the locker room and stay away until after the game.

Star gazing: Fan balloting for the 2005 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic will begin tomorrow at 12:01 a.m., exclusively on the official Web site of the AHL, theahl.com.

Fans can vote by completing the AHL All-Star Fan Ballot. The players receiving the most votes by position will earn berths in the starting lineups of the Canadian AHL All-Star team and PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team. The event will be held Feb. 13-14 in Manchester, N.H.

A committee of AHL coaches will select the remaining All-Stars, and all 28 clubs will be represented on the final rosters.

Notes: Eric Staal continues to lead Lowell in scoring (27 points in 22 games) and his plus-18 rating also leads the team. ... Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.



http://media.mnginteractive.com/media/paper105/20041216_SPT_TSPORT.JPG

[nccanes]

First-rounders first-rate in Monster net

By BARRY SCANLON
Sun Staff



Thursday, December 16, 2004 - LOWELL Temperatures are plunging like the approval rating of Pedro Martinez.

But Lowell Lock Monsters goaltenders Brent Krahn and Cam Ward are providing plenty of warmth between the pipes.

Each is red-hot and a major reason the Lock Monsters have won four straight and six of seven to improve to 14-8-1-1.

"They have a very good relationship. Each guy wants to see the other succeed and that's not always the case. But it is the case here," assistant coach Scott Allen said.

Ward is an American Hockey League rookie. Krahn had only 21 AHL games under his belt prior to this season.

But the pair of former first-round draft picks Krahn by Calgary, Ward by Carolina have combined to post a 2.46 goals against average and a sparkling .922 save percentage.

"They hadn't been through the rigors of the American Hockey League yet. They're unbelievable," head coach Tom Rowe said. "Both of them have been playing great. They're both No. 1 draft picks and they're both pushing each other."

Krahn, owner of a 8-3-0 record, is 12th in the AHL with a 2.21 goals against average and his four shutouts tie for the league lead.

"The puck does look bigger (right now)," Krahn said. "But it also has a lot to do with the guys playing great in front of you. Obviously there's going to be skepticism when you start the season with two young guys.

"It's nice to get the confidence of your coaches and teammates. You always want to answer the challenge," he added, "because you always want to get better. The wins are the most important thing."

Ward, who got off to a slower start, has been a virtual wall in Lowell's net as of late, stopping 81 of 82 shots last weekend as Lowell went 3-0 during a road trip to Virginia and Pennsylvania. His 2.41 GAA is the 24th best in the AHL.

In the last seven games, Ward and Krahn have allowed only eight goals, believed to be the best stretch in the history of the franchise.

Great Scott?: With Rowe still having to serve nine more games of a 10-game suspension handed down by AHL president David Andrews, Allen will be Lowell's bench boss this weekend when the Lock Monsters play tomorrow at Worcester, host Worcester on Saturday, and host Springfield on Sunday.

"I'm not the boss. Tom Rowe is the head coach of this team," Allen said after practice yesterday. "We've got a good thing going and that's all we're looking to do to head in the same direction we've been heading."

Rowe was suspended for his involvement in a melee between Lowell and Norfolk following the first period of last Saturday's game. The team responded by skating past the hosts, 5-1, and then blanking host Hershey, 4-0, the next day.

"I truly believe that what happened after the first period in Norfolk brought us closer together as a hockey team," Allen said. "Guys are standing up for each other. At the end of the day that's what it's all about."

Allen does have head coaching experience with San Antonio of the AHL and Johnstown of the ECHL.

The New Bedford native, a huge Red Sox fan, was left smiling by the Edgar Renteria signing.

Rowe, by the way, can still run practices and travel to games with the team. An hour before game time, however, Rowe must vacate the locker room and stay away until after the game.

Star gazing: Fan balloting for the 2005 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic will begin tomorrow at 12:01 a.m., exclusively on the official Web site of the AHL, theahl.com.

Fans can vote by completing the AHL All-Star Fan Ballot. The players receiving the most votes by position will earn berths in the starting lineups of the Canadian AHL All-Star team and PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team. The event will be held Feb. 13-14 in Manchester, N.H.

A committee of AHL coaches will select the remaining All-Stars, and all 28 clubs will be represented on the final rosters.

Notes: Eric Staal continues to lead Lowell in scoring (27 points in 22 games) and his plus-18 rating also leads the team. ... Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.



http://media.mnginteractive.com/media/paper105/20041216_SPT_TSPORT.JPG

[SoCalcaniac]

Great article nccanes & great pic of Cam & Brent! :spin:

Big Hockey weekend for the Monsters-

Friday 12/17 @ WORCESTER 7:05pm
Saturday 12/18 vs WORCESTER (home) @ 7pm
Sunday 12/19 vs SPRINGFIELD (home) @ 7pm

Lots of points to be had here.............................. Go Monsters.....

Don't forget- voting begins tonight at 11:59 PM EST for AHL All Star Ballots........go to www.theahl.com to vote people! I think everyone knows who I'm votin' for.... ;) :D

[SoCalcaniac]

Great article nccanes & great pic of Cam & Brent! :spin:

Big Hockey weekend for the Monsters-

Friday 12/17 @ WORCESTER 7:05pm
Saturday 12/18 vs WORCESTER (home) @ 7pm
Sunday 12/19 vs SPRINGFIELD (home) @ 7pm

Lots of points to be had here.............................. Go Monsters.....

Don't forget- voting begins tonight at 11:59 PM EST for AHL All Star Ballots........go to www.theahl.com to vote people! I think everyone knows who I'm votin' for.... ;) :D

[guinevere]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

[guinevere]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

[nccanes]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

Guin - I've been meaning to ask - did you/we really get to see Larose in camp? I thought the big discussion after signing him to a free agent contract was because he didn't get a camp invite? Or did another year slip by and I'm losing my mind.

[nccanes]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

Guin - I've been meaning to ask - did you/we really get to see Larose in camp? I thought the big discussion after signing him to a free agent contract was because he didn't get a camp invite? Or did another year slip by and I'm losing my mind.

[guinevere]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

Guin - I've been meaning to ask - did you/we really get to see Larose in camp? I thought the big discussion after signing him to a free agent contract was because he didn't get a camp invite? Or did another year slip by and I'm losing my mind.

You may be right. I remember being impressed with his stats when we signed him and that he attended rookie camp I also remember not understanding why he wasn't given a shot. Not sure I remember seeing him at camp though. I do remember Nastiuk.

[guinevere]

Rowe singled out right wing Chad Larose for praise. "Chad Larose is flying out there," he said. Larose, despite only playing in 19 games, ranks sixth on the team in scoring with 12 points ... The line of Larose, Mike Zigomanis and Ryan Bayda is coming off a solid weekend.

That's all I'm sayin... :beatup:

Guin - I've been meaning to ask - did you/we really get to see Larose in camp? I thought the big discussion after signing him to a free agent contract was because he didn't get a camp invite? Or did another year slip by and I'm losing my mind.

You may be right. I remember being impressed with his stats when we signed him and that he attended rookie camp I also remember not understanding why he wasn't given a shot. Not sure I remember seeing him at camp though. I do remember Nastiuk.

[SoCalcaniac]

Chad didn't get an invite to Camp, he went right to the Everblades- not sure why....... but if we have a season (and of course that's the big if) I'm guessing Chad will be in camp.....


Anywhooo, the Monsters broke their streak by losing in a shootout vs Worcester last night :cry: :sad: Brent Krahn sounded good for most of the game, gave up 3 in the shootout - Goals in the shoot out by Chad Larose (shocker there LOL) and who else? #12, E. Staal.

Goals in the game, Carson Germyn and #12.........

[SoCalcaniac]

Chad didn't get an invite to Camp, he went right to the Everblades- not sure why....... but if we have a season (and of course that's the big if) I'm guessing Chad will be in camp.....


Anywhooo, the Monsters broke their streak by losing in a shootout vs Worcester last night :cry: :sad: Brent Krahn sounded good for most of the game, gave up 3 in the shootout - Goals in the shoot out by Chad Larose (shocker there LOL) and who else? #12, E. Staal.

Goals in the game, Carson Germyn and #12.........

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh, I forgot, Chuckie Kobasew got thrown out for saying 'stuff' to a ref... :crazy: Monsters a little frustrated after last night's really good game.

Monsters make a point, miss a point

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
WORCESTER Brent Krahn showed he was human in shootouts after all.
A couple of weeks after putting on a memorable show by stopping all 13 Hartford shooters, Lowell's goaltender surrendered goals to three of Worcester's five shooters in a 3-2 loss before 2,479 fans last night.

The teams will meet again tonight in Lowell.

The Monsters, who had their four-game winning streak snapped, left the DCU Center with a point but with plenty of frustration.

Frustration from having its captain and leading goal scorer, Chuck Kobasew, ejected from the game just 4:56 in for using language referee Terry Koharski apparently felt did not represent the Christmas spirit.

"If he wants to throw guys out of games for saying things, that's his call," Kobasew said.

Frustration from watching defenseman Richie Regehr and forward Mike Zigomanis hit the post behind Worcester goalie Curtis Sanford within seconds of one another with six minutes left in regulation.


Frustration from not being able to protect a 2-1 lead when Jon DiSalvatore chipped in a power-play goal at 8:39 of the final period.

Frustration from dominating the overtime period when it looked like Lowell was skating on the power play only to have Sanford rob Chad Larose, Ryan Bayda and Colin Forbes. Lowell outshot Worcester, 7-1, in overtime.

"On our way into overtime, we were saying, 'We've got a point, let's go get another one,' " Larose said.

In the shootout, Larose scored on Lowell's first attempt, but the only other Lock Monster to score was Eric Staal, while Peter Sejna, Dennis Wideman and Jay McClement (who had the winner) sent shots past Krahn.

"It certainly was (frustrating)," said Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen, who is taking over the bench duties in the absence of suspended head coach Tom Rowe. "We had some opportunities, but we had some opportunities in regulation also."

Tied 1-1 after two periods, the Lock Monsters looked to be in fine shape when Staal put Lowell on top at 5:17 of the third.

Seconds after uncharacteristically losing his cool during a joust with a Worcester player in Lowell's zone, Staal sped down ice like a runaway locomotive and swept in a backhand pass by Larose for his ninth goal of the season and fifth in five games.

"That's the type of player he can be," Allen said of Staal, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft, "and that's the type of player he needs to be. Because of who he is he's going to get a lot of attention."
:eek:

The night started in bizarre fashion for Lowell when Kobasew was issued a 10-minute misconduct and a subsequent game misconduct by Koharski after what seemed to be a minor exchange with an IceCat.

Without their leading goal scorer and facing a team which allows the fewest shots in the AHL the Lock Monsters mustered only eight shots in the opening period.

But one of them went in, a 20-foot backhander by Carsen Germyn which broke through Sanford (27 saves) for a soft goal at 15:53. It was Germyn's first goal in nine games with Lowell and the Lock Monsters took the 1-0 cushion into the first intermission.

Lowell (14-8-1-2) began the second period with an anemic power play but, then, in a 35-second span, the Lock Monsters had two glorious chances to double their lead.

First, Lynn Loyns sprung Jim Henkel for a breakaway with a nifty pass. Henkel's forehand bid, however, was steered wide by Sanford. Then, defenseman Brad Fast broke in alone on Sanford and he made a strong move across the crease only to have Sanford deny him with a right pad save with 17:08 left in the period.

Those lost opportunities came back to haunt Lowell when Worcester tied it 1-1 at the 5:20 mark.

Brendan Brooks pocketed his eight goal of the season and his third in four games against Lowell when he redirected Wideman's shot from the right point over Krahn's glove hand. Krahn (30 saves), who had blanked the IceCats in his previous two outings against them, had little chance on the play.

With Mike Commodore in the penalty box for slashing, Krahn rejected a solid scoring bid by Mike Glumac by flashing his glove in the blink of an eye to keep Lowell tied.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh, I forgot, Chuckie Kobasew got thrown out for saying 'stuff' to a ref... :crazy: Monsters a little frustrated after last night's really good game.

Monsters make a point, miss a point

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
WORCESTER Brent Krahn showed he was human in shootouts after all.
A couple of weeks after putting on a memorable show by stopping all 13 Hartford shooters, Lowell's goaltender surrendered goals to three of Worcester's five shooters in a 3-2 loss before 2,479 fans last night.

The teams will meet again tonight in Lowell.

The Monsters, who had their four-game winning streak snapped, left the DCU Center with a point but with plenty of frustration.

Frustration from having its captain and leading goal scorer, Chuck Kobasew, ejected from the game just 4:56 in for using language referee Terry Koharski apparently felt did not represent the Christmas spirit.

"If he wants to throw guys out of games for saying things, that's his call," Kobasew said.

Frustration from watching defenseman Richie Regehr and forward Mike Zigomanis hit the post behind Worcester goalie Curtis Sanford within seconds of one another with six minutes left in regulation.


Frustration from not being able to protect a 2-1 lead when Jon DiSalvatore chipped in a power-play goal at 8:39 of the final period.

Frustration from dominating the overtime period when it looked like Lowell was skating on the power play only to have Sanford rob Chad Larose, Ryan Bayda and Colin Forbes. Lowell outshot Worcester, 7-1, in overtime.

"On our way into overtime, we were saying, 'We've got a point, let's go get another one,' " Larose said.

In the shootout, Larose scored on Lowell's first attempt, but the only other Lock Monster to score was Eric Staal, while Peter Sejna, Dennis Wideman and Jay McClement (who had the winner) sent shots past Krahn.

"It certainly was (frustrating)," said Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen, who is taking over the bench duties in the absence of suspended head coach Tom Rowe. "We had some opportunities, but we had some opportunities in regulation also."

Tied 1-1 after two periods, the Lock Monsters looked to be in fine shape when Staal put Lowell on top at 5:17 of the third.

Seconds after uncharacteristically losing his cool during a joust with a Worcester player in Lowell's zone, Staal sped down ice like a runaway locomotive and swept in a backhand pass by Larose for his ninth goal of the season and fifth in five games.

"That's the type of player he can be," Allen said of Staal, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft, "and that's the type of player he needs to be. Because of who he is he's going to get a lot of attention."
:eek:

The night started in bizarre fashion for Lowell when Kobasew was issued a 10-minute misconduct and a subsequent game misconduct by Koharski after what seemed to be a minor exchange with an IceCat.

Without their leading goal scorer and facing a team which allows the fewest shots in the AHL the Lock Monsters mustered only eight shots in the opening period.

But one of them went in, a 20-foot backhander by Carsen Germyn which broke through Sanford (27 saves) for a soft goal at 15:53. It was Germyn's first goal in nine games with Lowell and the Lock Monsters took the 1-0 cushion into the first intermission.

Lowell (14-8-1-2) began the second period with an anemic power play but, then, in a 35-second span, the Lock Monsters had two glorious chances to double their lead.

First, Lynn Loyns sprung Jim Henkel for a breakaway with a nifty pass. Henkel's forehand bid, however, was steered wide by Sanford. Then, defenseman Brad Fast broke in alone on Sanford and he made a strong move across the crease only to have Sanford deny him with a right pad save with 17:08 left in the period.

Those lost opportunities came back to haunt Lowell when Worcester tied it 1-1 at the 5:20 mark.

Brendan Brooks pocketed his eight goal of the season and his third in four games against Lowell when he redirected Wideman's shot from the right point over Krahn's glove hand. Krahn (30 saves), who had blanked the IceCats in his previous two outings against them, had little chance on the play.

With Mike Commodore in the penalty box for slashing, Krahn rejected a solid scoring bid by Mike Glumac by flashing his glove in the blink of an eye to keep Lowell tied.

[NHLCanes]

Another shutout Saturday night for Mr. Ward. He had 24 saves in a 3-0 victory over Worcester.

Boxscore:
http://www.pointstreak.com/framed/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139620

[NHLCanes]

Another shutout Saturday night for Mr. Ward. He had 24 saves in a 3-0 victory over Worcester.

Boxscore:
http://www.pointstreak.com/framed/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139620

[Captain Slack]

Woo-hoo!!!! :beer: :nanner:

[Captain Slack]

Woo-hoo!!!! :beer: :nanner:

[puck_it]

:nanner:

[puck_it]

:nanner:

[nccanes]

I was listening to today's game but had too much going on to really stay put near the PC, so I gave up. Looks like a great finish with the Monsters tying it up with an extra attacker with a minute to go. They lose in another Shoot Out. Too bad Storr wasn't in net for Springfield. :evil:

Guess they've still be getting points huh? Haven't lost (in regulation) since before the Norfolk weekend?

[nccanes]

I was listening to today's game but had too much going on to really stay put near the PC, so I gave up. Looks like a great finish with the Monsters tying it up with an extra attacker with a minute to go. They lose in another Shoot Out. Too bad Storr wasn't in net for Springfield. :evil:

Guess they've still be getting points huh? Haven't lost (in regulation) since before the Norfolk weekend?

[SoCalcaniac]

It was a good game last night nccanes- great to come from behind especially after a fluky second goal by the Falcons- couldn't get it done in the blasted shoot out though :mad:

Well, the boys are off for an entire week- they don't play again til Sunday 12/26. I'm guessing they are all heading home for the holidays.......

[SoCalcaniac]

It was a good game last night nccanes- great to come from behind especially after a fluky second goal by the Falcons- couldn't get it done in the blasted shoot out though :mad:

Well, the boys are off for an entire week- they don't play again til Sunday 12/26. I'm guessing they are all heading home for the holidays.......

[LLM639]

THe boys began leaving town last night, they are off all week and not even skating until xmas night. Then a game at providence sunday afternoon. What a nice way to round out the year - another brawling team.

Had Captain Red Light been in between the pipes last night the monsters would have won. But Eklund was in there and he looked very good. I saw him play over the summer and he has quick feet and quick hands. He was tested alot, and to his credit, didn't fold. Ward was also sharp, I don't think anything rattles that kid. He and Krahn are so cool, scary for kids so young to be that composed.

Not particularly thrilled that the boys won't be skating all week but they are entitled to have a life.

[LLM639]

THe boys began leaving town last night, they are off all week and not even skating until xmas night. Then a game at providence sunday afternoon. What a nice way to round out the year - another brawling team.

Had Captain Red Light been in between the pipes last night the monsters would have won. But Eklund was in there and he looked very good. I saw him play over the summer and he has quick feet and quick hands. He was tested alot, and to his credit, didn't fold. Ward was also sharp, I don't think anything rattles that kid. He and Krahn are so cool, scary for kids so young to be that composed.

Not particularly thrilled that the boys won't be skating all week but they are entitled to have a life.

[Mona]

Not particularly thrilled that the boys won't be skating all week but they are entitled to have a life.

Should we start a Practice thread just for you?? :) ;)

[Mona]

Not particularly thrilled that the boys won't be skating all week but they are entitled to have a life.

Should we start a Practice thread just for you?? :) ;)

[LLM639]

first practice is xmas night, I believe there will be on 12/26.... practice thread (game) on! ;)

[LLM639]

first practice is xmas night, I believe there will be on 12/26.... practice thread (game) on! ;)

[Mona]

first practice is xmas night, I believe there will be on 12/26.... practice thread (game) on! ;)

Enjoy it for all of us "hockey-less souls" too! ;)

[Mona]

first practice is xmas night, I believe there will be on 12/26.... practice thread (game) on! ;)

Enjoy it for all of us "hockey-less souls" too! ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, looks like Staal's point streak ends last night- Listened to the game on the web, guys sounded a little flat, got a bad break with that final Providence goal- apparently guys had a good week off and just weren't quite back 'with it for the game (LOL) Lock Monsters announcer Ryan Johnston got caught up in the terrible airline situation and got routed from Philly to Raleigh (???) before he finally made it to Providence in the 3rd. :crazy: The play by play guy called the game til he got there- told alot of funny tidbits about the guys coming in on Christmas Day for their first practice back- (it was from 8-9pm) coaches had them do drills shooting at the goalies, if you didn't score, you had to sing a Christmas carol (tee heee) - only 3 scored so all the others were singing away..... After awhile they couldn't come up with any other songs so many started singing "Oh Canada" :canada: :lol: I guess that keeps things light eh?
Here's hoping they are back on track on Wednesday.........
Bad bounce breaks Monsters

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Tomas Kurka was credited with a goal just 48 seconds into the third period to give the Providence Bruins a 3-2 victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters on Sunday.

Providence's Dan LaCouture shot the puck toward the net and it deflected in off one of Kurka's skates.

The Lock Monsters scored on their first shot of the game, at 9:16 of the first period when Allan Rourke's slap shot deflected in off the crossbar.

Providence tied it with 57 seconds left in the period on Jay Henderson's shot from the right circle.

Jay Leach gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead in the second period when he used a Lowell defenseman as a screen and beat Brent Krahan (20 saves) on a slap shot from the right point.

Lowell tied it when Mike Zigomanis tipped Chad Larose's pass by Hannu Toivonen at 8:48. Toivonen, who finished with 21 saves, robbed Larose on a clean breakaway midway through the third period while Providence was skating with a man advantage.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, looks like Staal's point streak ends last night- Listened to the game on the web, guys sounded a little flat, got a bad break with that final Providence goal- apparently guys had a good week off and just weren't quite back 'with it for the game (LOL) Lock Monsters announcer Ryan Johnston got caught up in the terrible airline situation and got routed from Philly to Raleigh (???) before he finally made it to Providence in the 3rd. :crazy: The play by play guy called the game til he got there- told alot of funny tidbits about the guys coming in on Christmas Day for their first practice back- (it was from 8-9pm) coaches had them do drills shooting at the goalies, if you didn't score, you had to sing a Christmas carol (tee heee) - only 3 scored so all the others were singing away..... After awhile they couldn't come up with any other songs so many started singing "Oh Canada" :canada: :lol: I guess that keeps things light eh?
Here's hoping they are back on track on Wednesday.........
Bad bounce breaks Monsters

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Tomas Kurka was credited with a goal just 48 seconds into the third period to give the Providence Bruins a 3-2 victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters on Sunday.

Providence's Dan LaCouture shot the puck toward the net and it deflected in off one of Kurka's skates.

The Lock Monsters scored on their first shot of the game, at 9:16 of the first period when Allan Rourke's slap shot deflected in off the crossbar.

Providence tied it with 57 seconds left in the period on Jay Henderson's shot from the right circle.

Jay Leach gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead in the second period when he used a Lowell defenseman as a screen and beat Brent Krahan (20 saves) on a slap shot from the right point.

Lowell tied it when Mike Zigomanis tipped Chad Larose's pass by Hannu Toivonen at 8:48. Toivonen, who finished with 21 saves, robbed Larose on a clean breakaway midway through the third period while Providence was skating with a man advantage.

[SoCalcaniac]

I know the WJC's are consuming alot of everyone's time, but don't forget our Monsters :D

Game tonight vs Manchester @ 7:05 and in Manchester on Friday 12/31 (when we should all be at the RBC Center for our own New Years Eve game vs the Rangers, but anyhooo.....) Friday's game is at 7:35pm.....

[SoCalcaniac]

I know the WJC's are consuming alot of everyone's time, but don't forget our Monsters :D

Game tonight vs Manchester @ 7:05 and in Manchester on Friday 12/31 (when we should all be at the RBC Center for our own New Years Eve game vs the Rangers, but anyhooo.....) Friday's game is at 7:35pm.....

[puck_it]

heard Staal got into a fight. video. info. must have.

any lowellers on here go to the game?

[puck_it]

heard Staal got into a fight. video. info. must have.

any lowellers on here go to the game?

[SoCalcaniac]

heard Staal got into a fight. video. info. must have.

any lowellers on here go to the game?

Monsters win 4-2 ......

Didn't go obviously, but I heard the game- yes, our boy Staal got into his first fight last night got 5 for fighting against Joe Rullier who tried to take his head off if you're to believe the broadcasters- I don't know if anyone read the article on Staal in the paper about a week ago, but it talked about these teams getting in his face and him having to adjust- Both announcers were fuming that the Monsters (except for Ryan who jumped in to try and 'help') aren't doing a better job of 'protecting their star'. Staal, to his credit appeared to do very well- Eric , the Monsters play by play guy, commented, "he's been touted as another Thornton, by everyone who has watched him, body wise and skill wise, and it now looks like he may have a little temper on him like Thornton- although Thornton has more a nasty streak- Staal just knows how to stick up for himself" :lol: the penalty for fighting happened with 2 minutes left in the 1st, then in the 2nd, he wound up mixing it up with some dude named Petr Kanko- got a Roughing call and we scored- (Lynn Lyons) and the go ahead goal in the third - Kobasew scored apparently a beauty of a goal (can they please find a way to broadcast these games on TV ? Cause there have been quite a few of these type goals by Staal and Kobasew and we just have our imaginations no pics!) Last goal was an empty netter... The Monsters broadcasters were really harping on the fact that Gordie Dwyer and Brant Myhres were out of the lineup and not able to protect Staal- I mean really harping on it- which I don't disagree with- they both implied that 'somebody' "needs to go after Yannick Lehoux, Mike Camalleri, Dustin Brown or Noah Clarke, not to let them 'dance' in untouched so to speak- if they're going to take Staal's time and space- if they're going after our star, we need to be going after theirs- all of them"
Which, I guess they heard in the dressing room because it was the usual chippy Manchester v Lowell deal, but with a little extra...... ;)

Chuckie Kobasew now is tied with E. Staal as the team's points leader- both have 30 points.... Kobasew 16 G, 14A, +14; Staal 9 G, 21A, +19 :D

Soooo, New Years Eve should be rock em sock em again - this time in Manchester..... Good to see the boys get 2 points....... Especially since Team USA was a disaster last night. :sick:

[SoCalcaniac]

heard Staal got into a fight. video. info. must have.

any lowellers on here go to the game?

Monsters win 4-2 ......

Didn't go obviously, but I heard the game- yes, our boy Staal got into his first fight last night got 5 for fighting against Joe Rullier who tried to take his head off if you're to believe the broadcasters- I don't know if anyone read the article on Staal in the paper about a week ago, but it talked about these teams getting in his face and him having to adjust- Both announcers were fuming that the Monsters (except for Ryan who jumped in to try and 'help') aren't doing a better job of 'protecting their star'. Staal, to his credit appeared to do very well- Eric , the Monsters play by play guy, commented, "he's been touted as another Thornton, by everyone who has watched him, body wise and skill wise, and it now looks like he may have a little temper on him like Thornton- although Thornton has more a nasty streak- Staal just knows how to stick up for himself" :lol: the penalty for fighting happened with 2 minutes left in the 1st, then in the 2nd, he wound up mixing it up with some dude named Petr Kanko- got a Roughing call and we scored- (Lynn Lyons) and the go ahead goal in the third - Kobasew scored apparently a beauty of a goal (can they please find a way to broadcast these games on TV ? Cause there have been quite a few of these type goals by Staal and Kobasew and we just have our imaginations no pics!) Last goal was an empty netter... The Monsters broadcasters were really harping on the fact that Gordie Dwyer and Brant Myhres were out of the lineup and not able to protect Staal- I mean really harping on it- which I don't disagree with- they both implied that 'somebody' "needs to go after Yannick Lehoux, Mike Camalleri, Dustin Brown or Noah Clarke, not to let them 'dance' in untouched so to speak- if they're going to take Staal's time and space- if they're going after our star, we need to be going after theirs- all of them"
Which, I guess they heard in the dressing room because it was the usual chippy Manchester v Lowell deal, but with a little extra...... ;)

Chuckie Kobasew now is tied with E. Staal as the team's points leader- both have 30 points.... Kobasew 16 G, 14A, +14; Staal 9 G, 21A, +19 :D

Soooo, New Years Eve should be rock em sock em again - this time in Manchester..... Good to see the boys get 2 points....... Especially since Team USA was a disaster last night. :sick:

[LLM639]

interesting game last night, Staal you goon!:) I find it ironic that this kid (he still looks like he could use another 10 lbs of upper body strength) at 6'3" and still growing, is not being trained to defend himself more against the guys that are needling him who are 5'9" and 5'10" on a good day?! Granted Staal is the goal scorer and not known goon, why he shouldn't/doesn't squash some of the smaller guys like a bug escapes me. Calgary prospects go to boxing camp, maybe it's time for Staal to call Mickey Ward? (local boxing legend). Roullier is a known goon, and that little fight was interesting, but to have to have the monsters other designated goons in the lineup to protect him? He has to protect himself at some point.

Chuck had a beauty goal, roofed it on a nice in and out move against Garon. Monsters put up 46 or 48 shots in this guy, he earned his keep. Chuck also had a goal waived off late (net off its moorings) yet th enext play he does almost exactly the same play, got hip checked but still got the shot off from his stomach, this time Ziggy tapped it in to be sure.

Lots of jostling later in the game, tomorrow night should be interesting. Dwyer got rattled a couple games ago and hasn't even been seen at the rink, I think he is out for a bit. Myhres should be back shortly from his suspension, maybe this weekend? Kevin McCarthy has been behind the bench the last couple of games, but no Karmanos/Rutherford sightings in weeks.

[LLM639]

interesting game last night, Staal you goon!:) I find it ironic that this kid (he still looks like he could use another 10 lbs of upper body strength) at 6'3" and still growing, is not being trained to defend himself more against the guys that are needling him who are 5'9" and 5'10" on a good day?! Granted Staal is the goal scorer and not known goon, why he shouldn't/doesn't squash some of the smaller guys like a bug escapes me. Calgary prospects go to boxing camp, maybe it's time for Staal to call Mickey Ward? (local boxing legend). Roullier is a known goon, and that little fight was interesting, but to have to have the monsters other designated goons in the lineup to protect him? He has to protect himself at some point.

Chuck had a beauty goal, roofed it on a nice in and out move against Garon. Monsters put up 46 or 48 shots in this guy, he earned his keep. Chuck also had a goal waived off late (net off its moorings) yet th enext play he does almost exactly the same play, got hip checked but still got the shot off from his stomach, this time Ziggy tapped it in to be sure.

Lots of jostling later in the game, tomorrow night should be interesting. Dwyer got rattled a couple games ago and hasn't even been seen at the rink, I think he is out for a bit. Myhres should be back shortly from his suspension, maybe this weekend? Kevin McCarthy has been behind the bench the last couple of games, but no Karmanos/Rutherford sightings in weeks.

[Mona]

Thanks for the update... our one connection to the biscuit and twig. **sigh**

[Mona]

Thanks for the update... our one connection to the biscuit and twig. **sigh**

[puck_it]

so who won the fight :beatup:

[puck_it]

so who won the fight :beatup:

[SoCalcaniac]

interesting game last night, Staal you goon! I find it ironic that this kid (he still looks like he could use another 10 lbs of upper body strength) at 6'3" and still growing, is not being trained to defend himself more against the guys that are needling him who are 5'9" and 5'10" on a good day?! Granted Staal is the goal scorer and not known goon, why he shouldn't/doesn't squash some of the smaller guys like a bug escapes me. Calgary prospects go to boxing camp, maybe it's time for Staal to call Mickey Ward? (local boxing legend). Roullier is a known goon, and that little fight was interesting, but to have to have the monsters other designated goons in the lineup to protect him? He has to protect himself at some point.

Yeah, he does need to protect himself,-but I'm pretty sure Lavi and JR aren't happy with him having to drop gloves :eek: just another part of that development 'process' that he's getting used to- and maybe -- I didn't get it over the radio, but it sounded like he did just fine. I think the announcers were just trying to relay that the team as a whole seems unable/unwilling/not capable of 'protecting' the Kid. I think Staal needs about 10-15 more pounds, on that frame, but rapid bulk up is not a good thing, so I'm sure Pete Freisen is happy with how he bulked up over the summer- look at Rick Nash- was in the same sitch himself - gained 15-20 lbs and you know things have gone for him..... It'll be funny in like 3-4 years when we're all talking about how 'a few years ago' we were worried about Staal's safety(LOL) and he'll be out there banging bodies a-la` Thornton... :spin:

None if this would even be an issue if a certain #36 with, last time I saw him 3 months ago, the curly long hair :D was in Lowell protecting his bud...... ;) or better yet, the 2 of them, wearing the road whites vs Ottawa tonight. :mad: Oh, no, that would be asking for a miracle now wouldn't it???? :beatup:

[SoCalcaniac]

interesting game last night, Staal you goon! I find it ironic that this kid (he still looks like he could use another 10 lbs of upper body strength) at 6'3" and still growing, is not being trained to defend himself more against the guys that are needling him who are 5'9" and 5'10" on a good day?! Granted Staal is the goal scorer and not known goon, why he shouldn't/doesn't squash some of the smaller guys like a bug escapes me. Calgary prospects go to boxing camp, maybe it's time for Staal to call Mickey Ward? (local boxing legend). Roullier is a known goon, and that little fight was interesting, but to have to have the monsters other designated goons in the lineup to protect him? He has to protect himself at some point.

Yeah, he does need to protect himself,-but I'm pretty sure Lavi and JR aren't happy with him having to drop gloves :eek: just another part of that development 'process' that he's getting used to- and maybe -- I didn't get it over the radio, but it sounded like he did just fine. I think the announcers were just trying to relay that the team as a whole seems unable/unwilling/not capable of 'protecting' the Kid. I think Staal needs about 10-15 more pounds, on that frame, but rapid bulk up is not a good thing, so I'm sure Pete Freisen is happy with how he bulked up over the summer- look at Rick Nash- was in the same sitch himself - gained 15-20 lbs and you know things have gone for him..... It'll be funny in like 3-4 years when we're all talking about how 'a few years ago' we were worried about Staal's safety(LOL) and he'll be out there banging bodies a-la` Thornton... :spin:

None if this would even be an issue if a certain #36 with, last time I saw him 3 months ago, the curly long hair :D was in Lowell protecting his bud...... ;) or better yet, the 2 of them, wearing the road whites vs Ottawa tonight. :mad: Oh, no, that would be asking for a miracle now wouldn't it???? :beatup:

[apolinar]

This is just conjecture, but most of the fighters on the lock monsters team are calgary players. Joey Tetarenko, our former goon in training, is GONE. So why would Calgary Flames prospects feel any need to protect a Hurricanes prospect? Yes, they are a "team," but that is somewhat a loose word to use with the combo of interests. If Calgary paid my salary, I wouldn't see any need to risk my noggin for the hurricanes' up and coming pretty boy who is already making in one year in the AHL what a goon makes his entire career. The latest article in the N&O showed that Ryan Bayda is trying to become a grinder/tough guy. That's the best we have to offer.

I myself chuckle that the shoulder patches of their jerseys have the canes logo, and their pants have the canes logo. The calgary guys have to wear that, and if I were a flame that would rub me the wrong way.

[apolinar]

This is just conjecture, but most of the fighters on the lock monsters team are calgary players. Joey Tetarenko, our former goon in training, is GONE. So why would Calgary Flames prospects feel any need to protect a Hurricanes prospect? Yes, they are a "team," but that is somewhat a loose word to use with the combo of interests. If Calgary paid my salary, I wouldn't see any need to risk my noggin for the hurricanes' up and coming pretty boy who is already making in one year in the AHL what a goon makes his entire career. The latest article in the N&O showed that Ryan Bayda is trying to become a grinder/tough guy. That's the best we have to offer.

I myself chuckle that the shoulder patches of their jerseys have the canes logo, and their pants have the canes logo. The calgary guys have to wear that, and if I were a flame that would rub me the wrong way.

[puck_it]

The latest article in the N&O showed that Ryan Bayda is trying to become a grinder/tough guy. That's the best we have to offer.


yeah i was gonna say bayda could probably mix it up. Ladd when he comes through can defend himself.

[puck_it]

The latest article in the N&O showed that Ryan Bayda is trying to become a grinder/tough guy. That's the best we have to offer.


yeah i was gonna say bayda could probably mix it up. Ladd when he comes through can defend himself.

[nccanes]

This is just conjecture, but most of the fighters on the lock monsters team are calgary players.

Isn't Gordie Dwyer a Hurricanes signee?

[nccanes]

This is just conjecture, but most of the fighters on the lock monsters team are calgary players.

Isn't Gordie Dwyer a Hurricanes signee?

[LLM639]

The monsters are an odd team.... 2 teams actually. They still have 2 distinct camps. The calgary guys all hang out together and come and go together for the most part while the canes guys tend to be more loners (except for the goalies who hang out alot). There doesn't appear to be alot of mixing going on, but I don't think it is necessarily a dislike of a certain player. I think the ethos is different between the 2 clubs. And that doesn't translate on the ice. They are a team, but the monsters have never been known as a tough/snarky/fighting team like a Hartford or Providence. Why they don't stand up for each other or themselves more often I dunno. Maybe it is the affiliation split.

Staal got in some good licks against Rullier but lost his balance a couple of times. He's still a kid and I agree that too much weight gain may be detrimental but you look at him and he still looks like he needs a good steak or two! Brennan Evans looked like that last year, but he added a good 15-20 lbs of upper body and helped his confidence/game. Now he is not playing alot (not sure why) but I can see Staal growing that way over the next few years - gradual weight gain and strength. He will never be a true power forward but there is nothing wrong with that. The canes need goal scorers in the worst way!

Dwyer is canes signee but I don't think he was brought in to be strictly the muscle. THe only potential designated goon the team has is Myhres and even then he picks his spots. He is not Dennis Bonvie/Trevor Gillies/Brendan Walsh. Not sure when he will be back though, pretty nasty concussion I think.

REmatch with Manchester tonight, should be interesting in hostile Manchester.

[LLM639]

The monsters are an odd team.... 2 teams actually. They still have 2 distinct camps. The calgary guys all hang out together and come and go together for the most part while the canes guys tend to be more loners (except for the goalies who hang out alot). There doesn't appear to be alot of mixing going on, but I don't think it is necessarily a dislike of a certain player. I think the ethos is different between the 2 clubs. And that doesn't translate on the ice. They are a team, but the monsters have never been known as a tough/snarky/fighting team like a Hartford or Providence. Why they don't stand up for each other or themselves more often I dunno. Maybe it is the affiliation split.

Staal got in some good licks against Rullier but lost his balance a couple of times. He's still a kid and I agree that too much weight gain may be detrimental but you look at him and he still looks like he needs a good steak or two! Brennan Evans looked like that last year, but he added a good 15-20 lbs of upper body and helped his confidence/game. Now he is not playing alot (not sure why) but I can see Staal growing that way over the next few years - gradual weight gain and strength. He will never be a true power forward but there is nothing wrong with that. The canes need goal scorers in the worst way!

Dwyer is canes signee but I don't think he was brought in to be strictly the muscle. THe only potential designated goon the team has is Myhres and even then he picks his spots. He is not Dennis Bonvie/Trevor Gillies/Brendan Walsh. Not sure when he will be back though, pretty nasty concussion I think.

REmatch with Manchester tonight, should be interesting in hostile Manchester.

[nccanes]

I guess it's lived up to the hype so far! I've only been listening to the 2nd half of the 2nd period and the announcers were quite animated talking about the scuffle that started when Commodore fell on Garon. They are quite annoyed that Rullier is chasing Zig, Staal, and Bayda around but won't face a real fighter. They want someone to go after Cammalleri "and throw him around like the ragdoll he is", lol.

The Monsters have managed to kill all 10 PPs that Manchester has had!

[nccanes]

I guess it's lived up to the hype so far! I've only been listening to the 2nd half of the 2nd period and the announcers were quite animated talking about the scuffle that started when Commodore fell on Garon. They are quite annoyed that Rullier is chasing Zig, Staal, and Bayda around but won't face a real fighter. They want someone to go after Cammalleri "and throw him around like the ragdoll he is", lol.

The Monsters have managed to kill all 10 PPs that Manchester has had!

[SoCalcaniac]

What a great New Years Eve Game for the most part..... I thought it got way too chippy though.... and that Rullier dude is just a little too much for me.

They want someone to go after Cammalleri "and throw him around like the ragdoll he is", lol. OMG, nccanes, I almost fell out of my chair when they said that!!!! But, they did have a point..... :)

Good win, that's what counts.

I think they ran out of gas on New Year's Day though- They didn't get much going until the very end really......

Monsters can't rally this time

PORTLAND, Maine Boyd Gordon scored what proved to be the game-winning goal and assisted on another, and Maxime Ouellet blocked 35 shots last night, sparking the Portland Pirates to a 3-2 victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters in front of a turnout of 3,630 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The Pirates built up a 3-0 lead by the opening seconds of the second period and then held off Lowell.

Portland scored at 2:41 of the first period when Tomas Fleischmann capitalized on a Lowell turnover and beat Cam Ward from the slot.

The Lock Monsters, who killed off all 11 Manchester power plays the night before, were burned when the Pirates went on their first power play late in the first period. Brian Willsie quickly scored to put Portland ahead 2-0 at 18:02.

Gordon pounced on another Lowell turnover in front of the net just 38 seconds into the second period to make it 3-0.

The Lock Monsters finally answered with a power-play goal from Chad Larose at 9:01.

Lowell poured 17 shots on Ouellet in the third period. But their only goal came with 4:41 left while the teams were skating four aside when Mike Commodore's shot deflected off a Portland defender.

Brent Krahn kicked out 40 shots, and Mike Zigomanis scored one goal and set up two others as the Lock Monsters shocked the Monarchs the AHL's best team 4-1 on Friday night in Manchester.

It was the second win by Lowell over Manchester in three days.

Chris Schmidt staked the Monarchs to a quick 1-0 lead 66 seconds into the game, but Krahn stopped everything else that came his way.

Chuck Kobasew tied the game at 8:30 of the second period, and then the Lock Monsters scored on three of their five shots in the third period.

Zigomanis netted the game-winner just 32 seconds into the third period, then assisted on Richie Regehr's goal at 13:59 and Colin Forbes' empty-netter at 18:47.

There were 35 penalties whistled for a total of 114 minutes.

[SoCalcaniac]

What a great New Years Eve Game for the most part..... I thought it got way too chippy though.... and that Rullier dude is just a little too much for me.

They want someone to go after Cammalleri "and throw him around like the ragdoll he is", lol. OMG, nccanes, I almost fell out of my chair when they said that!!!! But, they did have a point..... :)

Good win, that's what counts.

I think they ran out of gas on New Year's Day though- They didn't get much going until the very end really......

Monsters can't rally this time

PORTLAND, Maine Boyd Gordon scored what proved to be the game-winning goal and assisted on another, and Maxime Ouellet blocked 35 shots last night, sparking the Portland Pirates to a 3-2 victory over the Lowell Lock Monsters in front of a turnout of 3,630 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The Pirates built up a 3-0 lead by the opening seconds of the second period and then held off Lowell.

Portland scored at 2:41 of the first period when Tomas Fleischmann capitalized on a Lowell turnover and beat Cam Ward from the slot.

The Lock Monsters, who killed off all 11 Manchester power plays the night before, were burned when the Pirates went on their first power play late in the first period. Brian Willsie quickly scored to put Portland ahead 2-0 at 18:02.

Gordon pounced on another Lowell turnover in front of the net just 38 seconds into the second period to make it 3-0.

The Lock Monsters finally answered with a power-play goal from Chad Larose at 9:01.

Lowell poured 17 shots on Ouellet in the third period. But their only goal came with 4:41 left while the teams were skating four aside when Mike Commodore's shot deflected off a Portland defender.

Brent Krahn kicked out 40 shots, and Mike Zigomanis scored one goal and set up two others as the Lock Monsters shocked the Monarchs the AHL's best team 4-1 on Friday night in Manchester.

It was the second win by Lowell over Manchester in three days.

Chris Schmidt staked the Monarchs to a quick 1-0 lead 66 seconds into the game, but Krahn stopped everything else that came his way.

Chuck Kobasew tied the game at 8:30 of the second period, and then the Lock Monsters scored on three of their five shots in the third period.

Zigomanis netted the game-winner just 32 seconds into the third period, then assisted on Richie Regehr's goal at 13:59 and Colin Forbes' empty-netter at 18:47.

There were 35 penalties whistled for a total of 114 minutes.

[SoCalcaniac]

Monsters were back at it last night vs Portland- got to hear most of it on the Monsters regular broadcast then I think their signal went out and I had to switch over to Portland's broadcast for the 3rd period. Lowell rebounded after the loss to Worcester on Sat. - Monsters won it last night, 6-3 Colin Forbes is the official "Pirates Killer" (he used to play for them) Staal scored his 10th of the season................. Couldn't find a peep about it in the Lowell Sun, but here's Portland's paper and their summary which gives ya details......
Quick notes: Our friend Brant Myhres has returned from his 8-game susp. and Coach Rowe should be back in 2 more games...... ;)


Thursday, January 6, 2005

Six goals, and a loss


By DOUG MANNERS, Special to Portland Press Herald

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

LOWELL, Mass. — The Portland Pirates' offense appears back on track, but a letdown by the defense Wednesday night led to a 6-3 loss to the Lowell Lock Monsters before 2,156 fans at Tsongas Arena. The Pirates allowed more than four goals for the first time in 17 games.

The loss spoiled the return of the Pirates' top scorers, Trent Whitfield and Brooks Laich, who missed several weeks with injuries. Laich scored a power-play goal late in the second period.

Lowell, which lost 3-2 in Portland on Saturday, outplayed the Pirates and finished with a 44-25 advantage in shots.

"I didn't think we competed hard enough across the board," Pirates Coach Tim Army said. "I didn't like our overall game tonight. We were much too loose."

Lowell scored five minutes into the game. Carsen Germyn took a centering feed out of the right corner from Craig MacDonald and wristed the puck just inside the left post from the top of the slot.

Owen Fussey answered for the Pirates with 5:42 left in the period. He skated into the Lowell zone along the left boards and ripped a slap shot past goalie Brent Krahn.

The Lock Monsters opened the second period with a pair of quick goals.

First, Colin Forbes scored from between the faceoff circles at 1:17. Less than four minutes later, defenseman Richie Regehr took a pass from behind the net and shot over the right shoulder of Portland goalie Maxime Ouellet.

With 2:15 left in the period, Laich scored his team-leading sixth power-play goal of the season to pull Portland within a goal. But the real credit goes to defenseman Michel Periard, who sent a perfect pass to Laich from the top of the left faceoff circle.

Laich was parked at the edge of the crease and tapped the puck past Krahn for his first goal since Dec. 5.

The Pirates only had one other power-play opportunity in the game and it lasted a mere 16 seconds. Portland negated all three of Lowell's man advantages.

"Our specialty teams were solid, so those were a couple of good things," Army said. "We had good puck movement on the power play."

But the Pirates allowed another early-period goal when Eric Staal scored from the right faceoff dot 3:08 into the third. Then, at 8:27, Forbes added his second goal of the game by tipping a centering pass past Ouellet.

Forbes, who used to play in Portland, has been a Pirate killer this season. A third of his 33 points have come against Portland.

The Pirates responded quickly to Forbes' goal when Boyd Gordon beat Krahn top shelf just nine seconds later, but it wasn't enough. Mike Zigomanis added an empty-net goal with 1:07 left.

"To come in here and not have everyone going is frustrating to me," Army said. "The thing is, you go to bed at night: 'How do you get everybody going?' We have to find a way."

[SoCalcaniac]

Monsters were back at it last night vs Portland- got to hear most of it on the Monsters regular broadcast then I think their signal went out and I had to switch over to Portland's broadcast for the 3rd period. Lowell rebounded after the loss to Worcester on Sat. - Monsters won it last night, 6-3 Colin Forbes is the official "Pirates Killer" (he used to play for them) Staal scored his 10th of the season................. Couldn't find a peep about it in the Lowell Sun, but here's Portland's paper and their summary which gives ya details......
Quick notes: Our friend Brant Myhres has returned from his 8-game susp. and Coach Rowe should be back in 2 more games...... ;)


Thursday, January 6, 2005

Six goals, and a loss


By DOUG MANNERS, Special to Portland Press Herald

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

LOWELL, Mass. — The Portland Pirates' offense appears back on track, but a letdown by the defense Wednesday night led to a 6-3 loss to the Lowell Lock Monsters before 2,156 fans at Tsongas Arena. The Pirates allowed more than four goals for the first time in 17 games.

The loss spoiled the return of the Pirates' top scorers, Trent Whitfield and Brooks Laich, who missed several weeks with injuries. Laich scored a power-play goal late in the second period.

Lowell, which lost 3-2 in Portland on Saturday, outplayed the Pirates and finished with a 44-25 advantage in shots.

"I didn't think we competed hard enough across the board," Pirates Coach Tim Army said. "I didn't like our overall game tonight. We were much too loose."

Lowell scored five minutes into the game. Carsen Germyn took a centering feed out of the right corner from Craig MacDonald and wristed the puck just inside the left post from the top of the slot.

Owen Fussey answered for the Pirates with 5:42 left in the period. He skated into the Lowell zone along the left boards and ripped a slap shot past goalie Brent Krahn.

The Lock Monsters opened the second period with a pair of quick goals.

First, Colin Forbes scored from between the faceoff circles at 1:17. Less than four minutes later, defenseman Richie Regehr took a pass from behind the net and shot over the right shoulder of Portland goalie Maxime Ouellet.

With 2:15 left in the period, Laich scored his team-leading sixth power-play goal of the season to pull Portland within a goal. But the real credit goes to defenseman Michel Periard, who sent a perfect pass to Laich from the top of the left faceoff circle.

Laich was parked at the edge of the crease and tapped the puck past Krahn for his first goal since Dec. 5.

The Pirates only had one other power-play opportunity in the game and it lasted a mere 16 seconds. Portland negated all three of Lowell's man advantages.

"Our specialty teams were solid, so those were a couple of good things," Army said. "We had good puck movement on the power play."

But the Pirates allowed another early-period goal when Eric Staal scored from the right faceoff dot 3:08 into the third. Then, at 8:27, Forbes added his second goal of the game by tipping a centering pass past Ouellet.

Forbes, who used to play in Portland, has been a Pirate killer this season. A third of his 33 points have come against Portland.

The Pirates responded quickly to Forbes' goal when Boyd Gordon beat Krahn top shelf just nine seconds later, but it wasn't enough. Mike Zigomanis added an empty-net goal with 1:07 left.

"To come in here and not have everyone going is frustrating to me," Army said. "The thing is, you go to bed at night: 'How do you get everybody going?' We have to find a way."

[nccanes]

After seeing two lives games this week (ECHL), I was hoping to listen to tonight's game, but an evening out got in the way I suppose.

Anyway, the Monsters beat Manchester (again). :D

Three fights in the first 10 mins of the game!

Looks like Brantt Myhres made his (return) presence known.

And what's with ES getting a charging penalty!?

Would love to hear from our Lowell contingent - must have been some game with over 9,000 in attendance! Oh wait, it was in Manchester. Okay then someone who listened in....SoCal?



Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 3:53
Manchester - George Parros - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 3:53
Lowell - Mark Giordano - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 4:54
Manchester - Brad Smyth - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 4:54
Lowell - Sean Curry - (Hooking), 2 min, 6:04
Manchester - Petr Kanko - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 7:45
Lowell - Danny Richmond - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 7:45
Lowell - Brennan Evans - (High Sticking), 2 min, 8:45
Manchester - Michael Cammalleri - (Hooking), 2 min, 11:30
Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Boarding), 2 min, 14:51
Lowell - Gordie Dwyer - (Roughing), 2 min, 16:32
Manchester - George Parros - (Roughing), 2 min, 19:20
Lowell - Eric Staal - (Charging), 2 min, 19:20

Period 2
Manchester - Yanick Lehoux - (Hooking), 2 min, 1:48
Lowell - Craig MacDonald - (Hooking), 2 min, 2:49
Lowell - Ryan Bayda - (Boarding), 2 min, 7:33
Manchester - Dustin Brown - (Tripping), 2 min, 8:42
Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 12:23
Manchester - George Parros - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 12:23
Manchester - Joe Rullier - (Holding), 2 min, 13:10
Lowell - Mike Zigomanis - (Elbowing), 2 min, 13:10
Lowell - Mike Commodore - (Tripping), 2 min, 15:07

Period 3
Lowell - Craig MacDonald - (Cross Checking), 2 min, 11:50

[nccanes]

After seeing two lives games this week (ECHL), I was hoping to listen to tonight's game, but an evening out got in the way I suppose.

Anyway, the Monsters beat Manchester (again). :D

Three fights in the first 10 mins of the game!

Looks like Brantt Myhres made his (return) presence known.

And what's with ES getting a charging penalty!?

Would love to hear from our Lowell contingent - must have been some game with over 9,000 in attendance! Oh wait, it was in Manchester. Okay then someone who listened in....SoCal?



Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 3:53
Manchester - George Parros - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 3:53
Lowell - Mark Giordano - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 4:54
Manchester - Brad Smyth - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 4:54
Lowell - Sean Curry - (Hooking), 2 min, 6:04
Manchester - Petr Kanko - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 7:45
Lowell - Danny Richmond - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 7:45
Lowell - Brennan Evans - (High Sticking), 2 min, 8:45
Manchester - Michael Cammalleri - (Hooking), 2 min, 11:30
Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Boarding), 2 min, 14:51
Lowell - Gordie Dwyer - (Roughing), 2 min, 16:32
Manchester - George Parros - (Roughing), 2 min, 19:20
Lowell - Eric Staal - (Charging), 2 min, 19:20

Period 2
Manchester - Yanick Lehoux - (Hooking), 2 min, 1:48
Lowell - Craig MacDonald - (Hooking), 2 min, 2:49
Lowell - Ryan Bayda - (Boarding), 2 min, 7:33
Manchester - Dustin Brown - (Tripping), 2 min, 8:42
Lowell - Brantt Myhres - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 12:23
Manchester - George Parros - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 12:23
Manchester - Joe Rullier - (Holding), 2 min, 13:10
Lowell - Mike Zigomanis - (Elbowing), 2 min, 13:10
Lowell - Mike Commodore - (Tripping), 2 min, 15:07

Period 3
Lowell - Craig MacDonald - (Cross Checking), 2 min, 11:50

[SoCalcaniac]

Would love to hear from our Lowell contingent - must have been some game with over 9,000 in attendance! Oh wait, it was in Manchester. Okay then someone who listened in....SoCal?

Yes E- nerd alert, I was listening ;) my first chance to get online and chat about it. That Friday night game was AWESOME. This Lowell v MAN rivalry is somethin' else.

This was Brant Myhres first game actually in the line up- he was eligible to get back in on Wed, but they put him in on Friday, and from the play by play from Ryan and Eric he was in rare form! :) That George Parros dude was just dying to go- was chirping and basically all over the place, they duke it out, and he lost. The Smyth/Giordano fest was pretty quick-Eric and Ryan indicate that Giordano won that one too- Smyth was getting in Mark's face and he just let loose. The Richmond/Kanko fight was apparently a doozy as well- Ryan basically said, "Danny Richmond is going to have fans for life in Raleigh, when they get back to it in the NHL- he is always willing to stick up for his team mates" the first period was very chippy- everyone getting in each other's faces.

And what's with ES getting a charging penalty!?

LOL, LOL. Parros apparently was chirping up a storm on the bench with Myhres- wanted to go, basically acting a fool after getting embarassed in that earlier fight- so he can't get Brant to go with him, so he goes after #12 :crazy: so after he roughs up ES, ES decides to go after him, and got called for the charge Ryan Johnston and Eric Lindquist summed it up by calling it "Don Cherry's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Hockey on a Friday Night".

We're making plans for a Lowell/Man game, it's just so fun to listen to the two teams- lots of "action" and then lots of scoring chances. I can't imagine how fun it is to see it in person - and I hear that Verizon Wireless Arena is pretty nice..... there are a few more games, so I've just gotta figure out a game plan to go up......

Listening to the Monsters right now, they're playing the Bruins- We were winning 2-1 after 1, now in the second, it's 4-2 Providence, Tom Rowe is back behind the bench and for some unknown reason after the 2nd Providence goal, he pulled Cam, and put Krahn in who promptly gave up two goals to Andy Hilbert- and in fairness to Krahn, it appears the boys don't have their heads screwed on in front of him. Why Rowe pulled Cam, I'm clueless on...... :crazy: :crazy:

Sooooo, 2 points on the line to close in on that 4th playoff spot, Providence playing their 3 game in 3 nights, while our boys had yesterday off, and we're swirling...... Come on boys....

[SoCalcaniac]

Would love to hear from our Lowell contingent - must have been some game with over 9,000 in attendance! Oh wait, it was in Manchester. Okay then someone who listened in....SoCal?

Yes E- nerd alert, I was listening ;) my first chance to get online and chat about it. That Friday night game was AWESOME. This Lowell v MAN rivalry is somethin' else.

This was Brant Myhres first game actually in the line up- he was eligible to get back in on Wed, but they put him in on Friday, and from the play by play from Ryan and Eric he was in rare form! :) That George Parros dude was just dying to go- was chirping and basically all over the place, they duke it out, and he lost. The Smyth/Giordano fest was pretty quick-Eric and Ryan indicate that Giordano won that one too- Smyth was getting in Mark's face and he just let loose. The Richmond/Kanko fight was apparently a doozy as well- Ryan basically said, "Danny Richmond is going to have fans for life in Raleigh, when they get back to it in the NHL- he is always willing to stick up for his team mates" the first period was very chippy- everyone getting in each other's faces.

And what's with ES getting a charging penalty!?

LOL, LOL. Parros apparently was chirping up a storm on the bench with Myhres- wanted to go, basically acting a fool after getting embarassed in that earlier fight- so he can't get Brant to go with him, so he goes after #12 :crazy: so after he roughs up ES, ES decides to go after him, and got called for the charge Ryan Johnston and Eric Lindquist summed it up by calling it "Don Cherry's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Hockey on a Friday Night".

We're making plans for a Lowell/Man game, it's just so fun to listen to the two teams- lots of "action" and then lots of scoring chances. I can't imagine how fun it is to see it in person - and I hear that Verizon Wireless Arena is pretty nice..... there are a few more games, so I've just gotta figure out a game plan to go up......

Listening to the Monsters right now, they're playing the Bruins- We were winning 2-1 after 1, now in the second, it's 4-2 Providence, Tom Rowe is back behind the bench and for some unknown reason after the 2nd Providence goal, he pulled Cam, and put Krahn in who promptly gave up two goals to Andy Hilbert- and in fairness to Krahn, it appears the boys don't have their heads screwed on in front of him. Why Rowe pulled Cam, I'm clueless on...... :crazy: :crazy:

Sooooo, 2 points on the line to close in on that 4th playoff spot, Providence playing their 3 game in 3 nights, while our boys had yesterday off, and we're swirling...... Come on boys....

[Anonymous]

man, this is a great game.... :D

[Anonymous]

man, this is a great game.... :D

[hyena]

that's weird...it didn't ask me to login before i posted. *shrug*

anyway, i would just like to say that every monsters game that i've listened to they've won....hmmmmm

go lowell!

[hyena]

that's weird...it didn't ask me to login before i posted. *shrug*

anyway, i would just like to say that every monsters game that i've listened to they've won....hmmmmm

go lowell!

[SoCalcaniac]

I can't believe how that game turned out. 8-7 in a shootout?? OMG. Poor Cam- I still can't believe he was pulled when they evened it up at 2-2. Anyway, guys worked hard to get the extra point, but holy cow. I kept trying to get up and do some other things on the other side of the house, and I couldn't walk away as I normally would because Lowell would score and then the B's would answer..... That goal 20 seconds before the end of regulation- what a killer......

I'm glad they reunited the Forbes/Staal/Kobasew line. Bayda on that line was ok- but the FSK line has more chemistry or somethin'.

On another note- Brant Myhres was a scratch apparently because of a 'sore hand' Hmmmmm- wonder why??? :crazy: :eek:

Go Monsters............

[SoCalcaniac]

I can't believe how that game turned out. 8-7 in a shootout?? OMG. Poor Cam- I still can't believe he was pulled when they evened it up at 2-2. Anyway, guys worked hard to get the extra point, but holy cow. I kept trying to get up and do some other things on the other side of the house, and I couldn't walk away as I normally would because Lowell would score and then the B's would answer..... That goal 20 seconds before the end of regulation- what a killer......

I'm glad they reunited the Forbes/Staal/Kobasew line. Bayda on that line was ok- but the FSK line has more chemistry or somethin'.

On another note- Brant Myhres was a scratch apparently because of a 'sore hand' Hmmmmm- wonder why??? :crazy: :eek:

Go Monsters............

[SoCalcaniac]

I see the Lowell Sun online has put up some Monsters articles- this one is on rising attendence- (last night's game was a sell out by the way) and the competition for attention from the other Boston area teams- namely the Sox and the Patriots....

NHL troubles no power play for Lock Monsters

Team expects ticket sales to pick up over season

By DAVID PEVEAR, Sun Staff
LOWELL The product on the ice is as good as it will ever be. Nearly 20 percent of the players in the American Hockey League would be playing in the National Hockey League if the NHL were in fact playing hockey.
You, the hockey fan, in ordinary hockey times would pay upward of $100 to sit smack against the glass, eyeball-to-eyeball with the likes of Eric Staal, Chuck Kobasew, Colin Forbes and Mike Commodore.

Seventeen bucks buys you that intense view at the Tsongas Arena.

You can get into the cozy 6,400-seat arena for as little as nine bucks. The municipal parking garage next door charges five. The Lock Monsters are winning.

What's not to love?

Yet the wonderful bargain that is the AHL seems lost on a great many local sports fans. While the NHL lockout is believed responsible for boosting overall AHL attendance 9 percent over where it was at this point last season (to 5,617 fans per game through Sunday), the Lock Monsters seem to have hardly benefited from NHL arenas being dark.

Through Sunday, the Lock Monsters ranked 27th in attendance in the 28-team AHL, averaging 3,512 fans per game over their first 15 home dates. That was up 28 fans per game over their first 15 home dates last season.

AHL attendance traditionally picks up considerably after New Year's Day. The Lock Monsters wound up averaging 4,029 fans per game last season after drawing their all-time high of 4,123 per game the previous season.

Last Wednesday night, during school-vacation week, the Lock Monsters drew 5,168 fans, their third-largest home crowd of the season, which saw a 4-2 victory over the Manchester Monarchs.

"Hockey season around here really starts the day after the Super Bowl," says Lock Monsters President Brian Martin. "Our advance sales for a lot of games in February and March are ahead of last year. We have only three or four hundred tickets left for the Providence game on Sunday. We're only a third of the way through the season. We're optimistic."

In other words, the numbers are not as bad as they appear. And if the NHL lockout continues as expected, the Lock Monsters should eventually benefit at the gate.

One must consider the extenuating circumstances that offset any attendance boost the Lock Monsters may have gotten thus far. It is not every year that the Red Sox win a World Series. Six of the Lock Monsters' first 15 home games were played on the same days as Red Sox-Yankees playoff games or Patriots games.

The Lock Monsters drew only 1,215 fans to an Oct. 20 game against the Portland Pirates, which was the same night as Game 7 of the ALCS. "Instead of a thousand walk-ups, we had maybe 10," says Martin.

Even while concentrating on business on the ice, Lock Monsters players notice the empty seats.

"We've been hoping for more people," says veteran defenseman Mike Commodore. "But at the same time even with the Bruins not playing this is a sports-rich area. The Patriots are going on. I can understand that we're under the radar a little bit."

Through Sunday, Manchester ranked second in the AHL in attendance (8,875 avg.) after leading the league the past two seasons. But five New England teams were among the bottom seven in attendance. The Worcester IceCats, who will be moving to Peoria, Ill., next season, were last, averaging 3,502 fans per game through Sunday.

"I know a lot of the New England teams were having trouble in October going against the Red Sox," says Jason Chaimovitch, the AHL's director of public relations. "Between the Red Sox and seeing how far the Patriots go, it could take until the beginning of February to see big increases (in attendance). For a variety of reasons, including maybe it's frigid and snowing and feels like hockey weather, attendance traditionally goes up after Christmas and New Year's."

Market size should be considered when examining Lowell's low attendance ranking. Lowell is in a league with cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Houston, Cincinnati, Edmonton and Milwaukee. Nine teams currently average more fans than the Tsongas Arena can hold.

"I've played in this building (Tsongas Arena) when it's been full a couple of times," says Commodore. "It's a great atmosphere. The more (fans), the merrier. Maybe if we keep winning, (the fans will come)."

Chaimovitch says a large portion of the AHL's overall attendance increase is traced to significant boosts in Chicago, Philadelphia and Edmonton (a franchise that played in Toronto last season), franchises in the same cities as NHL teams that are not playing.

"We're certainly not wishing for failure in the NHL," says Chaimovitch. "But we are in position right now to take advantage of the lockout. But we also don't want to see increases this season, and then next season go back to where we were before. The trick is to get fans here, and keep them here."

This is the Lock Monsters' seventh season of existence. The 4,000-plus average attendance of the past three seasons approaches where the Lock Monsters must be to survive in Lowell long term.

"We need another three to five-hundred fans per game to make this a successful franchise financially," says Martin. "(Team owner) Elkin (McCallum) and myself are working hard to make this affordable for families, and we're hoping the community will support us and put us in a position to have a successful franchise. We anticipate that will happen."

[SoCalcaniac]

I see the Lowell Sun online has put up some Monsters articles- this one is on rising attendence- (last night's game was a sell out by the way) and the competition for attention from the other Boston area teams- namely the Sox and the Patriots....

NHL troubles no power play for Lock Monsters

Team expects ticket sales to pick up over season

By DAVID PEVEAR, Sun Staff
LOWELL The product on the ice is as good as it will ever be. Nearly 20 percent of the players in the American Hockey League would be playing in the National Hockey League if the NHL were in fact playing hockey.
You, the hockey fan, in ordinary hockey times would pay upward of $100 to sit smack against the glass, eyeball-to-eyeball with the likes of Eric Staal, Chuck Kobasew, Colin Forbes and Mike Commodore.

Seventeen bucks buys you that intense view at the Tsongas Arena.

You can get into the cozy 6,400-seat arena for as little as nine bucks. The municipal parking garage next door charges five. The Lock Monsters are winning.

What's not to love?

Yet the wonderful bargain that is the AHL seems lost on a great many local sports fans. While the NHL lockout is believed responsible for boosting overall AHL attendance 9 percent over where it was at this point last season (to 5,617 fans per game through Sunday), the Lock Monsters seem to have hardly benefited from NHL arenas being dark.

Through Sunday, the Lock Monsters ranked 27th in attendance in the 28-team AHL, averaging 3,512 fans per game over their first 15 home dates. That was up 28 fans per game over their first 15 home dates last season.

AHL attendance traditionally picks up considerably after New Year's Day. The Lock Monsters wound up averaging 4,029 fans per game last season after drawing their all-time high of 4,123 per game the previous season.

Last Wednesday night, during school-vacation week, the Lock Monsters drew 5,168 fans, their third-largest home crowd of the season, which saw a 4-2 victory over the Manchester Monarchs.

"Hockey season around here really starts the day after the Super Bowl," says Lock Monsters President Brian Martin. "Our advance sales for a lot of games in February and March are ahead of last year. We have only three or four hundred tickets left for the Providence game on Sunday. We're only a third of the way through the season. We're optimistic."

In other words, the numbers are not as bad as they appear. And if the NHL lockout continues as expected, the Lock Monsters should eventually benefit at the gate.

One must consider the extenuating circumstances that offset any attendance boost the Lock Monsters may have gotten thus far. It is not every year that the Red Sox win a World Series. Six of the Lock Monsters' first 15 home games were played on the same days as Red Sox-Yankees playoff games or Patriots games.

The Lock Monsters drew only 1,215 fans to an Oct. 20 game against the Portland Pirates, which was the same night as Game 7 of the ALCS. "Instead of a thousand walk-ups, we had maybe 10," says Martin.

Even while concentrating on business on the ice, Lock Monsters players notice the empty seats.

"We've been hoping for more people," says veteran defenseman Mike Commodore. "But at the same time even with the Bruins not playing this is a sports-rich area. The Patriots are going on. I can understand that we're under the radar a little bit."

Through Sunday, Manchester ranked second in the AHL in attendance (8,875 avg.) after leading the league the past two seasons. But five New England teams were among the bottom seven in attendance. The Worcester IceCats, who will be moving to Peoria, Ill., next season, were last, averaging 3,502 fans per game through Sunday.

"I know a lot of the New England teams were having trouble in October going against the Red Sox," says Jason Chaimovitch, the AHL's director of public relations. "Between the Red Sox and seeing how far the Patriots go, it could take until the beginning of February to see big increases (in attendance). For a variety of reasons, including maybe it's frigid and snowing and feels like hockey weather, attendance traditionally goes up after Christmas and New Year's."

Market size should be considered when examining Lowell's low attendance ranking. Lowell is in a league with cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Houston, Cincinnati, Edmonton and Milwaukee. Nine teams currently average more fans than the Tsongas Arena can hold.

"I've played in this building (Tsongas Arena) when it's been full a couple of times," says Commodore. "It's a great atmosphere. The more (fans), the merrier. Maybe if we keep winning, (the fans will come)."

Chaimovitch says a large portion of the AHL's overall attendance increase is traced to significant boosts in Chicago, Philadelphia and Edmonton (a franchise that played in Toronto last season), franchises in the same cities as NHL teams that are not playing.

"We're certainly not wishing for failure in the NHL," says Chaimovitch. "But we are in position right now to take advantage of the lockout. But we also don't want to see increases this season, and then next season go back to where we were before. The trick is to get fans here, and keep them here."

This is the Lock Monsters' seventh season of existence. The 4,000-plus average attendance of the past three seasons approaches where the Lock Monsters must be to survive in Lowell long term.

"We need another three to five-hundred fans per game to make this a successful franchise financially," says Martin. "(Team owner) Elkin (McCallum) and myself are working hard to make this affordable for families, and we're hoping the community will support us and put us in a position to have a successful franchise. We anticipate that will happen."

[SoCalcaniac]

More Monsters news- yes, I'm going backwards date-wise.... sorry.

Anyone else listen to the game last night hear that the guys are having a "Moustache Growing Contest"? Apparently everyone shaved last week and are growing moustaches- the 'contest runs til February according to Ryan & Eric- Brant Myhres apparently hasn't shaved off the Fu-Man Chu he sports but apparently he's 'participating' Ryan says to Eric during the broadcast, "Brant still has the Fu-Man going, but he's supposed to shave it off so everyone's even" and Eric quips "well who'd be the one to tell him???" :beatup: LOL, LOL.

Plenty of firepower

Lock Monsters one of top-scoring teams in AHL

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL Mike Commodore was sitting on the bench during the first period of Wednesday night's 6-3 victory over the Portland Pirates.
The veteran defenseman for the Lowell Lock Monsters admitted he wasn't totally focusing on his next shift.

Already he tried not to, Commodore for a few brief moments anyway became a fan simply admiring the array of offensive talent Lowell has.

In the first period, the Lock Monsters unloaded 15 shots on Portland and the number seemed like 30.

"I was sitting there thinking I'm glad I wasn't playing for the Portland Pirates tonight," he said.

Lowell is one of nine American Hockey League teams which has surpassed 100 goals and only four teams average more goals per game than the Lock Monsters (3.22) do.

Lowell had 11 players collect at least one point against Portland, showing key balance.

Although the Lock Monsters don't have any player in the top 10 in scoring, they have four Colin Forbes (15-19-34), Chuck Kobasew (17-16-33), Eric Staal (10-22-32) and Mike Zigomanis (15-14-29) averaging at least one point per game.

Forbes is tied for 15th in the league with 34 points and only one player in the top 25 in scoring has a better plus-minus rating than Forbes' plus 24.

"We've got a lot of guys who can contribute," Kobasew said Wednesday after being held without a point.

Manchester meeting: Tonight is Battle 5 in this season's version of the border war between Lowell and league-leading Manchester. Manchester hosts tonight's meeting.

Although Manchester is off to an eye-popping 26-6-2-1 start, Lowell has won the last two meetings and the series stands at 2-2. Manchester, the AHL's second stingiest team, has yet to hold Lowell under four goals in any of this season's meetings.

"We're not kidding ourselves," Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen said. "Manchester is still leading the Eastern Conference."

Commodore, who has played in nearly every AHL building, says the atmosphere in Verizon Wireless Arena is the best he's experienced in the minor leagues.

Lowell will have to be on top of its game again the Monarchs boast the top two AHL scorers in Yanick Lehoux (51 points) and Michael Cammalleri (49 points).

Lowell enforcer Brantt Myhres is eligible to be in tonight's lineup after serving an eight-game suspension for his part in a Dec. 11 brawl in Norfolk. Lowell head coach Tom Rowe, suspended for 10 games, returns Sunday for a home date with Providence.

Net gains: Entering the season, the one major question mark facing Lowell was young goaltenders Brent Krahn, a veteran of less than 30 AHL games, and Cam Ward, a rookie.

Both, however, have answered the call. Krahn's goals against average of 2.21 is tied for 12th in the AHL, while Ward's 2.24 ties him for 14th. More impressively, they both have save percentages near .930.

Forbes went as far following Wednesday's game to call Lowell's goaltending perhaps the team's strongest area.

Odds and ends: Forbes has scored a point in nine straight games. ... Of Lowell's regulars, only Gordie Dwyer, Jim Henkel, Myhres and defenseman Brennan Evans have yet to score a goal. ... How important has Kobasew been to Lowell? The captain has five game-winning goals. ... Kobasew, Ryan Bayda and Craig MacDonald have played in all 32 games so far.

The Lock Monsters, in partnership with Trinity Ambulance, will host a "Guns N Hoses" event for Sunday's game. Game time is 4 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative puck, courtesy of Trinity Ambulance.

Local police departments helped raise over $1,000 through ticket sale donations for the Massachusetts Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization which offers support to families of fallen officers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Local fire departments have raised money through ticket sale donations for the Lowell Fire Safety Education Program.

[SoCalcaniac]

More Monsters news- yes, I'm going backwards date-wise.... sorry.

Anyone else listen to the game last night hear that the guys are having a "Moustache Growing Contest"? Apparently everyone shaved last week and are growing moustaches- the 'contest runs til February according to Ryan & Eric- Brant Myhres apparently hasn't shaved off the Fu-Man Chu he sports but apparently he's 'participating' Ryan says to Eric during the broadcast, "Brant still has the Fu-Man going, but he's supposed to shave it off so everyone's even" and Eric quips "well who'd be the one to tell him???" :beatup: LOL, LOL.

Plenty of firepower

Lock Monsters one of top-scoring teams in AHL

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL Mike Commodore was sitting on the bench during the first period of Wednesday night's 6-3 victory over the Portland Pirates.
The veteran defenseman for the Lowell Lock Monsters admitted he wasn't totally focusing on his next shift.

Already he tried not to, Commodore for a few brief moments anyway became a fan simply admiring the array of offensive talent Lowell has.

In the first period, the Lock Monsters unloaded 15 shots on Portland and the number seemed like 30.

"I was sitting there thinking I'm glad I wasn't playing for the Portland Pirates tonight," he said.

Lowell is one of nine American Hockey League teams which has surpassed 100 goals and only four teams average more goals per game than the Lock Monsters (3.22) do.

Lowell had 11 players collect at least one point against Portland, showing key balance.

Although the Lock Monsters don't have any player in the top 10 in scoring, they have four Colin Forbes (15-19-34), Chuck Kobasew (17-16-33), Eric Staal (10-22-32) and Mike Zigomanis (15-14-29) averaging at least one point per game.

Forbes is tied for 15th in the league with 34 points and only one player in the top 25 in scoring has a better plus-minus rating than Forbes' plus 24.

"We've got a lot of guys who can contribute," Kobasew said Wednesday after being held without a point.

Manchester meeting: Tonight is Battle 5 in this season's version of the border war between Lowell and league-leading Manchester. Manchester hosts tonight's meeting.

Although Manchester is off to an eye-popping 26-6-2-1 start, Lowell has won the last two meetings and the series stands at 2-2. Manchester, the AHL's second stingiest team, has yet to hold Lowell under four goals in any of this season's meetings.

"We're not kidding ourselves," Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen said. "Manchester is still leading the Eastern Conference."

Commodore, who has played in nearly every AHL building, says the atmosphere in Verizon Wireless Arena is the best he's experienced in the minor leagues.

Lowell will have to be on top of its game again the Monarchs boast the top two AHL scorers in Yanick Lehoux (51 points) and Michael Cammalleri (49 points).

Lowell enforcer Brantt Myhres is eligible to be in tonight's lineup after serving an eight-game suspension for his part in a Dec. 11 brawl in Norfolk. Lowell head coach Tom Rowe, suspended for 10 games, returns Sunday for a home date with Providence.

Net gains: Entering the season, the one major question mark facing Lowell was young goaltenders Brent Krahn, a veteran of less than 30 AHL games, and Cam Ward, a rookie.

Both, however, have answered the call. Krahn's goals against average of 2.21 is tied for 12th in the AHL, while Ward's 2.24 ties him for 14th. More impressively, they both have save percentages near .930.

Forbes went as far following Wednesday's game to call Lowell's goaltending perhaps the team's strongest area.

Odds and ends: Forbes has scored a point in nine straight games. ... Of Lowell's regulars, only Gordie Dwyer, Jim Henkel, Myhres and defenseman Brennan Evans have yet to score a goal. ... How important has Kobasew been to Lowell? The captain has five game-winning goals. ... Kobasew, Ryan Bayda and Craig MacDonald have played in all 32 games so far.

The Lock Monsters, in partnership with Trinity Ambulance, will host a "Guns N Hoses" event for Sunday's game. Game time is 4 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative puck, courtesy of Trinity Ambulance.

Local police departments helped raise over $1,000 through ticket sale donations for the Massachusetts Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization which offers support to families of fallen officers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Local fire departments have raised money through ticket sale donations for the Lowell Fire Safety Education Program.

[SoCalcaniac]

The write up on the Lowell v Manchester game on Friday night......

Credit Krahn with a steal for Monsters

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
MANCHESTER, N.H. Brent Krahn committed an act of larceny before 9,916 witnesses last night.
The scene of the crime: the Verizon Wireless Arena.

His accomplices: the left and right posts.

His loot: two valuable American Hockey League points.

Krahn made 35 saves to backbone the Lowell Lock Monsters to a 3-1 victory over the mighty Manchester Monarchs in a game the visitors had no business winning.

Yes, Krahn had help. Three Manchester shots hit the left post, another struck the right post.

But Krahn was magnificent in helping Lowell stun a 26-7-2-1 Manchester team whose only two home losses in regulation in 18 games have been to the Lock Monsters (19-10-1-3).

"You can credit him with most of the win tonight," Lowell center Craig MacDonald said, nodding in Krahn's direction. "There's no question. Krahner was awesome tonight. He gave us a chance to win."


Lowell has defeated Manchester three straight times (Manchester is 0-for-22 on the power play in that stretch) and holds a 3-2 series edge in the border war.

Chuck Kobasew sealed the win when he took an Eric Staal pass and scored into an empty net with 41 seconds left. It was the second goal for Kobasew, who has 19 on the season.

Manchester outshot Lowell 19-3 in the opening period and the shot edge was 26-7 when Kobasew scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

"Let's give a lot of credit to Krahner. He was the backbone of the hockey team tonight," Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen said.

With Lowell holding a 2-1 lead early in the third period, Joe Rullier hit the left post. Seconds later, Jeff Giuliano struck the right one.

"In the third period, and later in the second, they were coming. Manchester has some great shooters. I was lucky they hit the post. Better out than in," Krahn said with a smile.

In a lopsided first period, Manchester skated circles around the Lock Monsters and in part because of four power play chances the Monarchs peppered Krahn with 19 shots from every conceivable angle.

Thankfully for the Lock Monsters, Krahn was superb. He turned aside 18 of them and the only shot that eluded him wasn't even a shot at all it was a saucer pass from behind the net by Michael Cammalleri which deflected in off the body of Kobasew.

Cammalleri, trying to set up Ryan Smyth, was credited with the goal at 3:28.

Seconds later, Lowell enforcer Brantt Myhres, returning from an eight-game suspension, quickly sent Manchester's George Parros to the ice which a couple of solid punches.

It was the first of four first-period bouts. Lowell did well in the fights, as Myhres, Mark Giordano and Danny Richmond acquitted themselves well. The punches were landing in the opening 20 minutes. However, Lowell's offense was anemic in the period.

Lowell mustered only three shots on Adam Hauser (15 total saves) and only Chad Larose got off a quality bid.

The ice wasn't nearly so tilted in the middle period, as Manchester only held a 10-8 shot advantage and it only took the Lock Monsters 10 seconds to pull into a 1-1 tie.

Larose picked Jason Holland's pocket at center ice, held off the much bigger defenseman, and got off a soft backhander which snuck past the left pad of Hauser at 19:50, giving Lowell a huge boost.

Five minutes later, the AHL's leading scorer, Yanick Lehoux, snuck behind Lowell's defense only to have Krahn snuff his backhand attempt.

Lowell stunned the crowd later in the second period, at the 13:34 mark, by claiming a 2-1 lead.

Defenseman Mike Commodore did much of the work, digging the puck out of Manchester's right corner and zipping a pass in front to Kobasew, who wasted no time drilling a shot past Hauser with the teams skating four-on-four. Staal also assisted.

With under two minutes left in the period, Giuliano, a Nashua native, got off a shot which hit the inside of the left post. Krahn, like he was on a Petr Kanko shot in the first period, was saved by the iron behind him.

The officiating, shaky all night, took a turn for the absurd in the middle period as both teams had legitimate beefs on phantom calls.

After 44 minutes of penalties in the first period, things calmed down a bit. There was only one fight Myhres and Parros renewed their friendship and only 24 minutes were called in the second.

[SoCalcaniac]

The write up on the Lowell v Manchester game on Friday night......

Credit Krahn with a steal for Monsters

By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
MANCHESTER, N.H. Brent Krahn committed an act of larceny before 9,916 witnesses last night.
The scene of the crime: the Verizon Wireless Arena.

His accomplices: the left and right posts.

His loot: two valuable American Hockey League points.

Krahn made 35 saves to backbone the Lowell Lock Monsters to a 3-1 victory over the mighty Manchester Monarchs in a game the visitors had no business winning.

Yes, Krahn had help. Three Manchester shots hit the left post, another struck the right post.

But Krahn was magnificent in helping Lowell stun a 26-7-2-1 Manchester team whose only two home losses in regulation in 18 games have been to the Lock Monsters (19-10-1-3).

"You can credit him with most of the win tonight," Lowell center Craig MacDonald said, nodding in Krahn's direction. "There's no question. Krahner was awesome tonight. He gave us a chance to win."


Lowell has defeated Manchester three straight times (Manchester is 0-for-22 on the power play in that stretch) and holds a 3-2 series edge in the border war.

Chuck Kobasew sealed the win when he took an Eric Staal pass and scored into an empty net with 41 seconds left. It was the second goal for Kobasew, who has 19 on the season.

Manchester outshot Lowell 19-3 in the opening period and the shot edge was 26-7 when Kobasew scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

"Let's give a lot of credit to Krahner. He was the backbone of the hockey team tonight," Lowell assistant coach Scott Allen said.

With Lowell holding a 2-1 lead early in the third period, Joe Rullier hit the left post. Seconds later, Jeff Giuliano struck the right one.

"In the third period, and later in the second, they were coming. Manchester has some great shooters. I was lucky they hit the post. Better out than in," Krahn said with a smile.

In a lopsided first period, Manchester skated circles around the Lock Monsters and in part because of four power play chances the Monarchs peppered Krahn with 19 shots from every conceivable angle.

Thankfully for the Lock Monsters, Krahn was superb. He turned aside 18 of them and the only shot that eluded him wasn't even a shot at all it was a saucer pass from behind the net by Michael Cammalleri which deflected in off the body of Kobasew.

Cammalleri, trying to set up Ryan Smyth, was credited with the goal at 3:28.

Seconds later, Lowell enforcer Brantt Myhres, returning from an eight-game suspension, quickly sent Manchester's George Parros to the ice which a couple of solid punches.

It was the first of four first-period bouts. Lowell did well in the fights, as Myhres, Mark Giordano and Danny Richmond acquitted themselves well. The punches were landing in the opening 20 minutes. However, Lowell's offense was anemic in the period.

Lowell mustered only three shots on Adam Hauser (15 total saves) and only Chad Larose got off a quality bid.

The ice wasn't nearly so tilted in the middle period, as Manchester only held a 10-8 shot advantage and it only took the Lock Monsters 10 seconds to pull into a 1-1 tie.

Larose picked Jason Holland's pocket at center ice, held off the much bigger defenseman, and got off a soft backhander which snuck past the left pad of Hauser at 19:50, giving Lowell a huge boost.

Five minutes later, the AHL's leading scorer, Yanick Lehoux, snuck behind Lowell's defense only to have Krahn snuff his backhand attempt.

Lowell stunned the crowd later in the second period, at the 13:34 mark, by claiming a 2-1 lead.

Defenseman Mike Commodore did much of the work, digging the puck out of Manchester's right corner and zipping a pass in front to Kobasew, who wasted no time drilling a shot past Hauser with the teams skating four-on-four. Staal also assisted.

With under two minutes left in the period, Giuliano, a Nashua native, got off a shot which hit the inside of the left post. Krahn, like he was on a Petr Kanko shot in the first period, was saved by the iron behind him.

The officiating, shaky all night, took a turn for the absurd in the middle period as both teams had legitimate beefs on phantom calls.

After 44 minutes of penalties in the first period, things calmed down a bit. There was only one fight Myhres and Parros renewed their friendship and only 24 minutes were called in the second.

[Mona]

Ryan says to Eric during the broadcast, "Brant still has the Fu-Man going, but he's supposed to shave it off so everyone's even" and Eric quips "well who'd be the one to tell him???" :beatup: LOL, LOL.



That is funny. :D I am glad some of our guys are having a good hockey season.. wait let me say hockey season...period. I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble. :)

[Mona]

Ryan says to Eric during the broadcast, "Brant still has the Fu-Man going, but he's supposed to shave it off so everyone's even" and Eric quips "well who'd be the one to tell him???" :beatup: LOL, LOL.



That is funny. :D I am glad some of our guys are having a good hockey season.. wait let me say hockey season...period. I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble. :)

[SoCalcaniac]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

[SoCalcaniac]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

[puck_it]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

[puck_it]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

[SoCalcaniac]

Nope, just observations puck it.... ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

Nope, just observations puck it.... ;)

[Mona]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

The guys are in Lowell.. and this is a Lowell thread.. :p

[Mona]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

The guys are in Lowell.. and this is a Lowell thread.. :p

[guinevere]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

[guinevere]

I can't see Eric with a moustache. It takes him a while just to grow the chin stubble.

I think it took him all summer for that stubble! :lol: I'm also having trouble seeing Ziggy with a 'stache a beard, maybe, but a moustache is a totally different thing. I guess we'll have to keep up with the pictures on the website to see what guys are looking like - at least for now.... hee hee..

cough cough this turned into a ladies thread cough cough :crazy:

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

[Mona]

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

Good idea guin... **scratches crotch as comment about Lowell players facial hair is mentioned** :lol:

[Mona]

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

Good idea guin... **scratches crotch as comment about Lowell players facial hair is mentioned** :lol:

[puck_it]

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

Good idea guin... **scratches crotch as comment about Lowell players facial hair is mentioned** :lol:

*cue face palm pic

[puck_it]

Maybe if we hitch up our pants and spit it would be more acceptable. :angel:

Good idea guin... **scratches crotch as comment about Lowell players facial hair is mentioned** :lol:

*cue face palm pic

[SoCalcaniac]

Ok, back to games- it's another weekend of Monsters hockey...... schedule for the weekend is full- the guys have had an easy schedule of it lately- 3 games in 3 nights............ chances to earn 2 points....here's the schedule:

Jan 14, 2005
7:30 pm
Springfield Falcons
Springfield


Jan 15, 2005
7:05 pm
Portland Pirates
Portland


Jan 16, 2005
4:00 pm
Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Home

[SoCalcaniac]

Ok, back to games- it's another weekend of Monsters hockey...... schedule for the weekend is full- the guys have had an easy schedule of it lately- 3 games in 3 nights............ chances to earn 2 points....here's the schedule:

Jan 14, 2005
7:30 pm
Springfield Falcons
Springfield


Jan 15, 2005
7:05 pm
Portland Pirates
Portland


Jan 16, 2005
4:00 pm
Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Home

[Mona]

Busy team.. go Monsters! :spin:

[Mona]

Busy team.. go Monsters! :spin:

[NHLCanes]

Monsters win against Springfield 2-0, Cam Ward with another shutout. He stopped 38 shots, and Richie Regehr and Colin Forbes scored for Lowell.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139765

[NHLCanes]

Monsters win against Springfield 2-0, Cam Ward with another shutout. He stopped 38 shots, and Richie Regehr and Colin Forbes scored for Lowell.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=139765

[Night Train]

I listened to the 3rd period. Sounds like Ward faced a lot of shots. I guess the Storr was open tonight.....

[Night Train]

I listened to the 3rd period. Sounds like Ward faced a lot of shots. I guess the Storr was open tonight.....

[nccanes]

"Storr was open", lol, lol!!

The Lowell announcers said something about him looking like he was in La-La land and that he still spent time in LA (Los Angeles), cracked me up.

I also read an article about the Falcons and there was a quote from him saying "there's still a lot of hockey left to be played" when asked about the Falcons being 20 games out of the playoffs. Sounded eerily familiar, lol.

And I recall on the Lightning boards, they were so thrilled to get signing Storr for the Falcons. Poor things...

[nccanes]

"Storr was open", lol, lol!!

The Lowell announcers said something about him looking like he was in La-La land and that he still spent time in LA (Los Angeles), cracked me up.

I also read an article about the Falcons and there was a quote from him saying "there's still a lot of hockey left to be played" when asked about the Falcons being 20 games out of the playoffs. Sounded eerily familiar, lol.

And I recall on the Lightning boards, they were so thrilled to get signing Storr for the Falcons. Poor things...

[puck_it]

"Storr was open", lol, lol!!
:spin: :p :laugh:

[puck_it]

"Storr was open", lol, lol!!
:spin: :p :laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

Well gang- 8th win in 9 games and 6th straight win- Monsters beat the lowly Soundtigers tonight 3-1; Staal apparently fed a beauty from behind the net to............ yep, Kobasew ...... Ryan scored off the face off from Ziggy and BRUNO scored goal #2 of the season.... go Monsters..... they sound like they're rollin'... if the playoffs started today, the Monsters would be in- BUT there's still alot of hockey to be played. Not at their best tonight, but they got the win- and at home- funny Ryan & Eric said there were 3,000+ in attendance, hmm with a football game being played by the Patriots?? Pretty good! :spin:

I'll post articles tommmorow...

The Lowell announcers said something about him looking like he was in La-La land and that he still spent time in LA (Los Angeles), cracked me up.

Tee hee- nccanes- I know we are pretty flaky in my native SoCal, just don't remind me how flaky we are ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

Well gang- 8th win in 9 games and 6th straight win- Monsters beat the lowly Soundtigers tonight 3-1; Staal apparently fed a beauty from behind the net to............ yep, Kobasew ...... Ryan scored off the face off from Ziggy and BRUNO scored goal #2 of the season.... go Monsters..... they sound like they're rollin'... if the playoffs started today, the Monsters would be in- BUT there's still alot of hockey to be played. Not at their best tonight, but they got the win- and at home- funny Ryan & Eric said there were 3,000+ in attendance, hmm with a football game being played by the Patriots?? Pretty good! :spin:

I'll post articles tommmorow...

The Lowell announcers said something about him looking like he was in La-La land and that he still spent time in LA (Los Angeles), cracked me up.

Tee hee- nccanes- I know we are pretty flaky in my native SoCal, just don't remind me how flaky we are ;)