FALCONS GET READY FOR PENGUINS FRIDAY
By: Sean Seifert
October 21, 2011 -The Springfield Falcons look to build off an impressive win over the Manchester Monarchs as they get back to work against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday, October 21, on MassMutual ice. Springfield has juggled goaltenders throughout its’ five-game start to the season and Friday may begin to answer some of the questions in net.
The recent acquisition of veteran goaltender Manny Legace will add experience to the lineup on Friday says Falcons assistant coach Nolan Pratt. Legace was signed by the Falcons on a Professional Tryout Agreement on October 20.
“He’s (Legace) done a lot in his career and he’s going to provide a lot of experience for us,” said Pratt.
Legace began his professional career with Springfield in 1994 and returns to the Falcons this season with 17 professional seasons under his belt and a Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup championship ring. Pratt was a teammate with Legace when they played for the Falcons in 94’-95’, and the coach says Legace was responsible for the Falcons success on the ice.
“It’s always fun for the organization, the players and the city when you’re winning, and Manny was a big part of that,” said Pratt. “We had a great team and a great group of guys and it’s something we’re looking to recreate here.”
Goalie uncertainty began on October 14, when Allen York suffered an injury in Pennsylvania against the Penguins. Paul Dainton relieved York and Danny Taylor joined the team shortly after to fill the necessary depth for Falcons goaltending. York has since been called up to play for the Falcons’ NHL affiliate Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Falcons (3-2-0) head into Friday’s game against the Penguins (1-2-1) with 19 goals in their last four contests. Falcons’ goal scoring has been led by Dane Byers and Ryan Russell, who have collected three goals apiece so far. Nick Drazenovic leads the team in points (9) with two goals and seven assists on the season.
The last time the Falcons and Penguins met, Springfield scored a season-high seven goals in a 7-4 decision down in Pennsylvania on October 14. The puck drops at 7:30 on Friday at the MassMutual Center.
