VERSUS    

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors were defeated by the South Carolina Stingrays 3-2 in their final home game of the regular season on Friday night. The loss left Greenville’s record at 42-24-6 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

Greenville got off to a lightning-quick start in the first period with Jeremy Gouchie scoring his sixth goal of the season on the game’s first shift. Jason Wilson centered a puck out of the right wing corner as he was falling down and Gouchie quickly snapped a shot past Daren Machesney. Chris McKelvie also helped set up the goal 31 seconds into the game. South Carolina responded with a power play goal from Maxime Lacroix that took a review from the officials to determine whether the puck fully crossed the line. The goal stood, but the game didn’t remain tied for long. Marc-Olivier Vallerand sizzled a one-timer past Machesney 5:12 after Lacroix’s strike to restore Greenville’s lead. The 5-on-3 tally was assisted by Justin Bowers and Blake Parlett. Nic Riopel stopped 12 Stingray shots in the first to keep Greenville in front.

In the second period South Carolina put its offense in gear and out-shot Greenville 15-7 in the stanza. Riopel was strong with 14 saves, but Daniel Koger slipped a shot past him 90 seconds in to tie the score at two. Stingrays goalie Darren Machesney was making his first start since January 28 against Trenton, a 25-game absence, and he thwarted each shot he faced from Greenville in the second. The teams headed into the third with the score deadlocked at two.

The teams were more evenly matched in the third period and shots were dead even at 10 a side. Lacroix had the difference maker, though, as he picked up his second of the game at the 13:38 mark. It came as a result of South Carolina foiling a Greenville breakout attempt and a flip pass by Daniel Koger that put Lacroix in behind the defense. Greenville battled for the tying goal throughout the final minutes of the stanza, but even with Riopel pulled for the extra attacker couldn’t find the tying score.

With the Florida Everblades defeating the Gwinnett Gladiators on Friday it clinched a matchup between the Road Warriors and Everblades in the first round.

Riopel suffered the loss while making 35 saves on the night. Greenville was 1-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Get ready for the Road Warriors’ run to the Kelly Cup! Greenville’s first home game of the opening round is Friday, April 6 at 7:35 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Discounted playoff packages are on sale right now. With the playoff packages you can pay as you go throughout the playoffs and tickets start as low as $8.50 per game. Discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability are also available for groups of 10 or more. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to get your 2012 Kelly Cup Playoffs tickets reserved today!

The post BRING ON FLORIDA first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Bruce Berlet

Large green letters on a bed sheet at the XL Center on Sunday read: Tommy 10 Terrific.

Terrific, indeed.

For most of the season, Tommy Grant, who wears No. 10, has been part of the Connecticut Whale’s “energy line” with another second-year pro, center Kelsey Tessier, and rookie wing Scott Tanski. Whenever the Whale needed a lift, coach Ken Gernander didn’t hesitate to send out the gritty, inexperienced trio, as they’re all mature beyond their years.

Tessier and Grant sit in adjacent stalls in the XL Center locker room and often chat about how to improve their games. Grant is usually the inquisitor, but Tessier is happy to be a sounding board.

“What I’ve found out about Grant is that he’s a guy who listens,” said Tessier, named the Whale’s Unsung Hero by the media in his rookie season. “You can say stuff to Grant, and he takes it. He’s not the kind of guy who’s going to tell you to back off or says, ‘I know what I’m doing.’ He keeps everything to himself and wants to know what everyone thinks.

“It’s one of those things where he says, ‘Hey, Tess, I want you to be here when I do this,’ and I’m like, ‘Awesome, I’ll be there.’ When one says something to the other in different situations, now we know. If we never had that situation happen, then we talk on the bench and make sure that this is what we want to do. My junior coach always said communication eliminates duplication. Talking just makes it so much easier for everyone. If you accept what the other person thinks and what I think, then it just makes our bond that much stronger on the ice. And then he goes out there and uses everything with his skill. He’s been playing awesome for us.”

Grant said Tessier’s words of wisdom have been pretty basic.

“We just talk about little things like where we want pucks and different kind of passes that we want to make,” Grant said. “It’s maybe little things that coaches might not necessarily talk about but things that just help each other.”

Whatever Tessier has been saying has certainly helped enhance Grant’s offense the past month. And when Tanski was replaced by All-Star rookie Jonathan Audy-Marchessault for a game against the Portland Pirates on Sunday, Grant put together his first four-point game in six years with two goals and two assists, and he and Tessier were each plus-3. The four points were two shy of the franchise record for a regular-season game, and Audy-Marchessault’s second goal of the game and 22^nd of the season off a rebound of Grant’s shot with 2:05 left in regulation got the Whale to overtime after they blew a two-goal lead in the third period.

Cam Talbot, making his first start in 11 games since Feb. 19, then stopped six shots in overtime and the four he faced in the shootout as the Whale pulled out a 5-4 win that gave them a four-point lead in the Northeast Division over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers heading into Friday night’s rematch with the Pirates at the XL Center.

“Grant had a great game (Sunday), and I just think my linemates were terrific with Marchessault shooting the puck all the time and scoring,” Tessier said. “We have to give him the puck and give Grant the credit because his feet were moving. When Grant’s feet are moving, he’s deadly out there. I like playing with him because we click well, and I know where he is on the ice and he knows where I want (the puck).”

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Grant had three assists in seven games with the Whale at the end of the 2010-11 season after completing his four-year career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Two of the assists came in his debut while on an amateur tryout contract, and Grant and the Ranger organization agreed to terms on an NHL free-agent contract three days later.

Grant had eight goals, 10 assists and 35 penalty minutes in 61 games with the Wolf Pack/Whale last season, but his best day since his junior days on Sunday gave him 10 goals and 12 assists and a plus-4 rating in 62 games this season despite playing mostly on the “energy line” and killing penalties.

But that has changed lately as the 25-year-old Grant, with help from his locker-room neighbor Tessier, improved his all-around game, got to play on one of the two main power-play units and has four of his 10 goals and four of his 12 assists in the last seven games.

“I think it has a lot to do with confidence and just going to the net more and trying to get in better scoring areas,” Grant said. “Before I was just trying to chip pucks in and hit everything that moved. Now it’s kind of trying to make a little mixture, and obviously playing with Tess and Marchie, they’re skilled players that can make plays in high traffic areas. When you’re playing with skilled players, you’ve got to find a way to get shots and make things happen.

“Early in the year, I was struggling not only offensively but defensively as well. I tried to worry about being good in my own zone so I could get more ice time and get more trust out of the coaches, and that has kind of led to getting more chances offensively. I’m coming down lower in the zone and when we’re breaking the puck up has allowed me a little more time and space and to use my speed more effectively. If I go through a bad period, it usually stems from being bad in my own zone or not coming back. If I’m coming back nice and low, then I get more time and more space to make plays. And you can see more of the ice, so I’m just trying to work on that as much as I can. I’m trying to help out more and (still) be good covering my point man, and I think that’s gone a long way as well.”

Grant and Tessier have looked to increase their offense since All-Star wing Mats Zuccarello was recalled by the Rangers on March 12, opening more ice time in all situations. Zuccarello followed veteran John Mitchell and rookie wing Carl Hagelin, who have helped the Rangers to the lead in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference since they were called up on Nov. 18.

“There’s no way to fill those guys’ voids, especially Zucc being the last to go up as a forward,” Grant said. “That guy does so much offensively, and I think it’s going to take more than one or two guys to fill that void. All of us – Tanski, (Jordan) Owens, Ryan (Bourque), myself – are going to get a better chance to prove ourselves, and we have to kind of answer the bell.

“And if they’re going to put me on the power play like they have the last couple of games, that’s an offensive situation where if you’re not going to contribute offensively then you’re going to be off that. So I’m just trying to take advantage of the situation, and whether guys come back or more guys go up, everybody has to kind of step up their games, especially with playoffs coming. And every team in our league is fighting either for a higher seed or a playoff spot, so every game is going to be tough. Guys are going to get a good chance here and just have got to kind of rise to the occasion.”

Tessier was a major offensive threat in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, excelling with Audy-Marchessault and Bourque with the Quebec Remparts before being traded to Moncton and helping the Wildcats win the league title and a spot in the 2010 Memorial Cup with 14 goals and 16 points in 21 games. His 30 points were second most and 14 goals third best in the playoffs.

“When big players are gone is when guys like Grant and I and others who were here last year have to step up our game,” said Tessier, who has 10 goals and 17 assists and is plus-5 while playing in all but one of the Whale’s 64 games. “That’s when we have to prove we can play in this league. We played a lot of minutes (Sunday), so when coach puts us on the ice, we have to perform and make sure we’re the second line out there. We’ve got to play like a second line and put the puck deep with a little bit of our mixture.

“And we’re on the power play now, so you have to change your role a bit but not much. You’ve still got to keep it simple, work hard and be a tenacious line. But at the same time, we can create a little more offense. Just be more poised and make sure, ‘We can do this.’ Give a little confidence, pat each other’s back and say, ‘Hey, let’s go, boys.’ ”

Gernander has let Grant “go” more the past few weeks and was quick to explain why.

“Tommy gets all the credit,” Gernander said. “There was a large stretch there where he and Tess and Tanner were a good energy line and, more than anything, worked hard. From that they generated a little bit of success, and the more responsibility that Tommy has been given, the better he has become.

“Guys who are given more opportunity are guys who have earned it. You talk to him at points here and there, but a lot of it is the athlete. He earned more and more ice time, and as he got more and more ice time, he seemed to blossom. He’s just kind of worked his way into the role and is playing very well right now.”

YOGAN ARRIVES ON A HIGH

Andrew Yogan and Peterborough Petes teammate Peter Ceresnak needed nine hours to get to Hartford thanks to an unusually lengthy stop at customs on the U.S.-Canadian border.

“He’s Slovakian, I’m from Florida and we’re going to play hockey in Hartford, so they pulled us out of the car and everything,” Yogan said with a wide smile after his second practice with the Whale on Thursday. “They must have thought we were smuggling something. We didn’t have a note, so they wondered if (Ceresnak) was doing illegal stuff. It was just crazy.”

But when Yogan finally arrived in Hartford on Tuesday night, he had loads of enthusiasm, especially off his final game in juniors on Sunday. Yogan notched a memorable “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” of four goals, one assist and a fight in an 8-6 victory over Oshawa and right wing Christian Thomas, the Rangers’ second-round pick in 2010 who had a goal and an assist. Yogan also was plus-4 and had a game-high seven shots, but the Petes (27-34-3-4) were eliminated from the playoffs in the last week of the season, so he and Ceresnak headed for Hartford, signed ATO contracts and began practicing with the Whale on Wednesday.

“That was pretty neat,” Yogan said of his swansong with Peterborough. “I was real happy with ending juniors with a bang, and it was nice to leave my mark on the OHL.”

Yogan, a 20-year-old from Boca Raton, Fla., was named OHL Player of the Week after getting four goals and four assists and being plus-4 in three games to finish March with 17 points in seven games. The Rangers’ fourth-round pick in 2010 finished the season with career highs in goals (41), assists (37) and points (78) and was plus-8 with 96 penalty minutes in 66 games to end a five-year OHL career with 96 goals, 90 assists and 287 penalty minutes in 240 games with the Windsor Spitfires, Erie Otters and Petes.

Yogan got several weeks of pro experience a year ago. After missing most of last season with an injury, the 6-foot-3, 203-pound Yogan had two goals and earned No. 1 star in his pro debut, a 4-3 Whale loss to Bridgeport on April 9. He also had an assist in his other Whale appearance the next day, a 6-3 loss to Norfolk.

“I was here for awhile last year, and that kind of gave me a big confidence boost and made me feel like I had an advantage over the guys in juniors this season,” said Yogan, a Florida Panthers fans as a kid. “I learned about the speed of the game and how much space you can buy yourself. Playing against less experienced guys in juniors kind of exposed me a little more, and it got easier as the season went along.

“I’m excited because I had the experience here last year and know a lot of the guys so I’m a little more comfortable. But I still have to earn my stripes, work hard and get some respect.”

Yogan has practiced on a line with Andreas Thuresson and Jeff Prough and is being counted on for some of the offense that he displayed with Peterborough.

“We’re going to kind of work him into things, and the more he’s able to do, the more responsibility he’ll be given,” Gernander said. “Given that he has some offensive numbers, that’s where he’s going to have to show some playmaking ability. We don’t expect him to get a hat trick every night, but we hope to get some offense from him. And on the flip side, in learning the pro game he’s going to have to do the little things like finish his checks and be responsible defensively and make sound, timely decisions based on game situations.

“There’s going to be a learning curve as far as understanding the professional game, and then whatever gifts or strengths you have that got you drafted for and earned you a contract coming out of juniors, you’re going to have to find ways to exhibit them as well. It’s not like he’s your little brother and you’re going to carry him along. He’s going to be expected to pull his weight. He has to display the things he did well in juniors and then work hard on the little things that are expected of every pro.”

The 6-3, 209-pound Ceresnak, the Rangers’ sixth-round pick in 2011 from Trencin, Slovakia, had six goals, nine assists, 64 PIMs and was minus-1 in 61 games in his first junior season. Barring injuries, the 19-year-old Ceresnak isn’t likely to get as much playing time as Yogan since the Whale already have six healthy defenseman even after Blake Parlett was reassigned to Greenville of the ECHL on Thursday. Plus, Tim Erixon is on recall to the Rangers, though the rookie appears as if he’s there to stay after playing three games while others have been healthy scratches.

“Things can change quickly in hockey, so you never know,” Gernander said when asked about Ceresnak’s possible ice time. “Right now he’s just gaining that experience, getting to know the guys and getting acclimated to the organization and pro hockey. We’ll just constantly monitor and evaluate things.”

Meanwhile, Thomas finished the regular season with 34 goals and 33 assists in 54 games. Thomas, who was suspended for 10 games, and the Generals will meet Central Division champion Niagara in the first round of the playoffs starting Thursday night.

Another Ranger draftee with NHL ties, Edmonton Oil Kings center Michael St. Croix, was named to the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team. St. Croix, the Rangers’ fourth-round pick in 2011, set franchise records for goals (45), assists (60) and points (105) as he finished eighth in the WHL in scoring. St. Croix is the son of former NHL goalie Rick St. Croix and younger brother of Chris St. Croix, who played for the Wolf Pack in the 2001-02 season. Michael and the Oil Kings face Kootenay in the first round of the WHL playoffs starting Friday.

ANOTHER THREE-IN-THREE FOR WHALE

The Whale, 14-5-1-0 in its last 20 games, has another three-games-in-three-days routine this weekend, starting with the return of the Pirates (29-28-3-4), who are in a desperate chase for the last few Eastern Conference playoff spots with nine teams. They’re 12^th with 65 points, three behind Syracuse, which holds the eighth and final postseason berth, two back of Worcester and Albany and one behind Springfield. Portland and Worcester each has one game in hand on the other teams.

After the roller-coaster ride to victory Sunday, the Whale (33-21-5-5) has an AHL-best 19-6-2-4 record at home and is 3-2-1-0 against the Pirates, with the three wins coming at the XL Center in regulation, overtime and the shootout. Audy-Marchessault (four goals, two assists), Grant (3, 3) and Tessier (2, 4) share the team lead in scoring against the Pirates. Portland is led by All-Stars Brett Sterling (25 goals, 27 assists) and Andy Miele (13, 33), who has one goal and seven assists against the Whale. Hustling wing Ryan Duncan assisted on two goals by former Rangers prospect Ethan Werek on Sunday before being hospitalized after Casey Wellman’s skate accidently sliced his face early in overtime. Duncan needed 45 stitches during 41/2 hours of surgery at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford to repair the damage. Werek, a rookie wing, has three goals and four assists in his last five games after getting four goals and four assists in his first 51 games.

Duncan, fourth on the Pirates in scoring with 14 goals and 18 assists in 55 games, forward Brett MacLean, third with 18 goals and 17 assists, and Nathan Oystrick, first among defensemen with 10 goals and 21 assists, are questionable this weekend, while defenseman Maxim Goncharov is out indefinitely with a concussion.

It seems amazing that Duncan could actually play Friday night.

“I knew I was hit by a skate, but I thought it was just the boot of the skate,” Duncan told Paul Betit of the Portland Press-Herald after returning to practice Wednesday. “I didn’t think it was the blade. It felt like I just got kicked in the face, like I got punched. I started bleeding, but I thought it must be just a pressure wound. When I skated to the bench, I could see the reaction of my teammates. I guess it (looked) pretty bad, so I figured I got caught by the blade.”

Duncan immediately pressed a towel to his face and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. After only two days off, Duncan rode the stationary bike and lifted weights Wednesday. He has a four-inch, crescent-shaped scar starting just to the right of his nose and running above his left lip to his left check.

“It’s good I didn’t have any (other) symptoms, like a concussion,” Duncan said. “It’s just basically the cut, and I just have to wait and see how the swelling goes. If it goes down, I’ll toss on the cage and hopefully get back on the ice.”

When Duncan does return, he’ll wear a metal cage or a full shield, as he did at the University of North Dakota. In 2007, he won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player after leading UND to the national title. After graduating in 2009, he spent his first two pro seasons with Salzburg EC in the Austrian Elite League.

“We thought at first there was an orbital fracture, there might be some nerve damage,” Pirates coach Ray Edwards told Betit. “Right now it doesn’t look like any of that, but there was a lot of trauma to a small area of his face. … He’s hanging in there. It was a very traumatic experience for him. He’s a tough little bugger. If I know him, he’s going to want to play, but if all depends on the swelling.”

The Whale hosts Providence on Saturday night and visits Bridgeport on Sunday afternoon. They’re 3-2-0-1 against the Bruins, winning the first three meetings and losing the last three, and 4-2-2-1 against the Sound Tigers entering the final game of the GEICO Connecticut Cup season series. The Bruins (28-30-3-4) are a longshot for the playoffs with the next-to-worst record in the Eastern Conference and will be without center/captain Trent Whitfield, recalled by the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. He was replaced by center Max Sauvé, a nemesis for the Whale in the past.

The Sound Tigers (32-24-3-5) are in a 0-5-0-2 slide after a stunning 20-2-0-2 run that vaulted them from last to first in the division and are four points behind the first-place Whale with 12 games left for each team. Left wing John Persson, the New York Islanders’ fifth-round pick in 2011 from Sweden, made his pro debut in a 3-0 loss at Binghamton on Wednesday night. The Sound Tigers also signed free-agent center Tyler Gron, the Northern Michigan’s leading scorer this year (37 points), to an ATO. The Sound Tigers will be without goalie Anders Nilsson and left wing Micheal Haley. Nilsson, the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month in February who returned from the Islanders last week, twisted his ankle in a 5-2 loss at Worcester on Sunday and is out 7-to-10 days. The Sound Tigers signed Dan Clarke, a senior at Quinnipiac University, to an ATO. Haley was suspended three games with Worcester defenseman Mike Moore after they fought after leaving the penalty box after an initial fight Sunday. … Houston Aeros goalie Joe Fallon was named Reebok/AHL Player of the Week last week after allowing only five goals on 125 shots while going 4-0-0 with a 1.20 goals-against average and .960 save percentage. It was the Aeros’ first four-game winning streak of the season and included making 32 saves in regulation and overtime and stopping six shootout attempts in a 1-0 victory over Abbotsford. He’s 5-1-0 with a 2.05 GAA and .931 save percentage in eight appearances since joining the Aeros on March 3. … Former Wolf Pack defenseman Tomas Kundratek had six points (three goals, three assists) for the Hershey Bears in wins over Adirondack and Albany last Friday and Saturday. He has career highs in goals (11) and points (19) in 43 games since being acquired from the Whale for Francois Bouchard on Nov. 8.

MEMORABLE 27^TH BIRTHDAY FOR CALLAHAN

Former Wolf Pack right wing Ryan Callahan has a thing for scoring on his birthday.

Callahan ended a delicious, end-to-end thriller with the injury-riddled Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night with his 27^th goal of the season on his 27^th birthday at 2:42 of overtime, giving the Rangers a 2-1 victory.

The Rangers’ captain became only the seventh player to score an overtime winner on his birthday, and this one involved four former Wolf Pack players. Callahan beat Ty Conklin from 30 feet in the slot off a terrific pass from defenseman Michael Del Zotto after a setup by wing Brandon Dubinsky, who has revived his game the past few weeks after struggling most of the season. In 2009, Callahan had two goals on his 24^th birthday, which just happens to be his number. He’s the only Ranger to score an overtime winner on his birthday.

“It’s a great play by everyone involved,” said Callahan, who had a game-high eight shots and blocked two shots, including a dangerous chance by defenseman Niklas Kronwall with 1:03 left in regulation after thwarting Pavel Datsyuk’s shorthanded breakaway midway through the second period. “It was a good birthday gift. They tried to set me up in the second, and I missed a wide-open net. I had to respond back.”

Rangers coach John Tortorella gushed about Callahan.

“He just had an unbelievable third period and overtime,” Tortorella said. “He does so much for the hockey club. It’s fitting that he gets the winning goal. I thought Ryan Callahan was our best player.”

Goalie Henrik Lundqvist concurred after making 26 saves and having the only assist on Brad Richards’ power-play goal that came on an end-to-end rush and tied it with 5:02 left in the first period.

“He’s been incredible, and that block at the end of the game,” Lundqvist said after notching his first win over the Red Wings. “A couple of highlights there for Cally, first with that huge block for us and then scoring the game-winner. That’s the way he plays right now, and it’s big for us.”

Callahan recently missed six games because of a sore right foot from blocking a shot.

“We’ve been playing well,” said Callahan, whose previous high for goals was 24 last season, when he missed 20 games because of injuries. “Right from that (Colorado) Avalanche game, I thought we were playing well even though we lost. I think we’re starting to get our groove back, and we’re starting to play how we want and how we were playing earlier in the year. It’s an important time of year, and we’ve got to keep building and keep going.”

The Red Wings played without Nicklas Lidstrom (foot), Jimmy Howard (groin), Johan Franzen (back), Darren Helm (knee), Jonathan Ericsson (wrist), Joey MacDonald (back) and Jakub Kindl (upper body). Conklin was filling in for Howard and MacDonald after being called up from Grand Rapids earlier in the day.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GIRARDI, DEMICHIEL

Congratulations to former Wolf Pack defenseman and good guy Dan Girardi on being the Rangers’ nominee for the Bill Masterson Memorial Award, given by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“It means a lot,” said Girardi, who narrowly edged former Wolf Pack defenseman Marc Staal for the nomination. “I feel like I’m an ideal candidate for the Masterton Trophy. I’m pretty excited. I really didn’t know too much about it. I looked up a little bit today. When I woke up from my nap, my agent texted me and said, ‘You’re nominated.’ I was like, ‘Oh, all right. I’ll take it.’ I knew what it was, but I took a little deeper look and it means a lot to be nominated.

“I’m dedicated, I’ve gone through a lot from where I’ve been to this point. I feel like it’s a good description for how I want to act as a hockey player and as a person.”

Girardi, 27, grew up in Welland, Ont., and played his junior hockey with the London Knights of the OHL, where he won the 2005 league championship and Memorial Cup. After going undrafted in 2003, he signed a contract with the Rangers and joined the Wolf Pack for the 2005-06 season. Girardi was called up to the Rangers for good during the 2007-08 season and has missed only two games because of injury since then. He replaced Staal as an alternate captain at the start of the season when Staal was out because of post-concussion symptoms.

More kudos to Avon native Jared DeMichiel on helping the Rochester Institute of Technology women’s hockey team win its first Division III title Saturday night when the Tigers avenged a loss in the 2011 final with a 4-1 victory over Norwich.

DeMichiel was an assistant coach of the team that celebrated again Tuesday when it was officially announced the program was leaping to Division I, obviously looking for better competition. The Tigers were 54-3-3 with one national championship and the runner-up finish the past two seasons. They were 28-1-1 this season, setting a Division III record for wins but won’t be eligible to compete in the NCAA Tournament the first two seasons.

DeMichiel backstopped RIT to a surprise berth in the men’s Frozen Four in 2010. After a brief pro career in the AHL and ECHL, DeMichiel returned to his alma mater to work with the women’s team. If at first …

DeMichiel will become an assistant coach with the Nazareth College men’s team this fall and certainly has a tough act to follow.

The post SPOTLIGHT: TOMMY GRANT first appeared on Howlings.

NY RANGERS vs. DETROIT RED WINGS

* All information through NHL games on Mar. 19

TONIGHT’S GAME:

• The Rangers will face-off against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m.; TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: Bloomberg Radio), in an Original Six match-up. The Blueshirts currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, and rank second in the league overall, with a record of 45-20-7 (97 pts.). The Rangers enter the contest having defeated the New Jersey Devils, 4-2, on Monday at Madison Square Garden, and are now 3-2-0 on their current seven-game homestand. The Red Wings enter the contest with a 44-25-4 (92 pts.) record to rank fifth in the Western Conference, and are winless in their last five games. Following the contest, the Rangers will face-off against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, Mar. 23, at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), to conclude their seven-game homestand.

• All-Time: 210-260-103-1 overall (134-94-58-0 at home; 76-166-45-1 on the road)
• 2011-12: Tonight is the first and only meeting this season.
• Last Season: New York was 0-1-0 overall (0-0-0 at home; 0-1-0 on the road). The Rangers dropped their only meeting against the Red Wings last season, 3-2, on Feb. 7 at Detroit. The Blueshirts out-shot the Red Wings, 47-35, in the contest, including an 18-5 margin in the third period. Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan each tallied a goal, while Martin Biron made 32 saves.
• The Rangers’ last win against the Red Wings was a 3-1 victory on Oct. 25, 2003, at Madison Square Garden
• Each of the last nine meetings between the Rangers and Red Wings have been decided by two goals or less, including five games separated by one goal
• New York ranks fourth with a 25-9-2 (52 pts.) record at home; Detroit is tied for 18th with a 16-20-2 (34 pts.) mark on the road
• The Rangers are 2-3-0 vs. the Central Division; the Red Wings are 2-2-0 vs. the Atlantic Division
• New York lists no former Red Wings on their roster
• Detroit lists no former Rangers on their roster

INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. RED WINGS:

• Henrik Lundqvist — 4 GP, 0-3-1, 3.78 GAA
• Martin Biron — 5 GP, 1-3-0-0, 3.20 GAA
• Brad Richards — 20 GP, 6-14-20
• Marian Gaborik — 25 GP, 7-11-18
• Brandon Dubinsky — 2 GP, 1-2-3
• Jeff Woywitka — 21 GP, 1-4-5

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Rangers penalty kill has held opponents scoreless in seven of the last 10 games (28-31, 90.3%), and are 33-37 (89.2%) in the last 12 contests. The Rangers are tied for sixth in the NHL with seven shorthanded goals. The Blueshirts have posted a record of 21-1-4 in games when tallying a power play goal, and are 30-11-3 when not allowing a power play goal.

• Power Play: The Rangers tallied one goal in three power play attempts (4:24) on Monday vs. New Jersey. New York ranks 29th overall (35-242, 14.5%) and 23rd at home (20-131, 15.3%). The Rangers are 3-15 (11:31) in five-on-three situations (last – 3/13 vs. CAR), and 2-9 (12:08) when four-on-three (last – 3/11 vs. NYI). Shorthanded goals allowed (3): 12/5 vs. TOR (Steckel); 12/8 vs. TBL (Moore); 12/17 at PHX (Korpikoski).
• Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts held the Devils scoreless in three shorthanded situations (6:00) on Monday at MSG. New York ranks fifth overall (200-231, 86.6%) and seventh at home (92-108, 85.2%). The Rangers are 8-9 (4:34) in three-on-five situations (last – 2/16 vs. CHI), and 2-3 (2:24) when three-on-four (last – 2/16 vs. CHI). Shorthanded goals for (7): 10/20 at CGY (Prust); 12/8 vs. TBL (Anisimov); 12/10 at BUF (Hagelin); 12/10 at BUF (Callahan); 12/20 at NJD (Hagelin); 1/6 at PIT (Dubinsky); 2/12 vs. WSH (Prust).
• Four-on-Four: New York did not tally/yield a goal in one four-on-four situation (2:00) on Monday vs. New Jersey. The Rangers are plus-six in 77 four-on-four situations (137:49), and even in two three-on-three situations (0:38). Four-on-four goals for (9): 10/18 at VAN (Gaborik); 10/20 at CGY (McDonagh); 10/27 vs. TOR (Girardi); 1/2 vs. FLA (Gaborik); 2/9 vs. TBL (Stepan); 2/9 vs. TBL (Richards); 2/14 at BOS (Anisimov); 2/19 vs. CBJ (Stepan), 2/25 vs. BUF (Callahan). Four-on-four goals allowed (3): 2/9 vs. TBL (Lecavalier); 2/25 vs. BUF (Stafford); 3/2 at TBL (Malone).

ORIGINAL SIX SHOWDOWN:

• The Blueshirts have skated in 11 of 15 scheduled games against Original Six opponents this season, posting a record of 5-6-0 in those contests
• Henrik Lundqvist is 4-4-0 with a 2.75 GAA and one shutout; Martin Biron is 1-2-0 with a 2.70 GAA and one shutout
• Marian Gaborik leads the Rangers in scoring against Original Six opponents this season with four goals and nine points
• Derek Stepan has tallied seven points against Original Six opponents this season, and is tied with Gaborik for the team lead with five assists
• Michael Del Zotto leads all team defensemen in scoring with six points (two goals, four assists) against Original Six opponents this season
• New York has posted a record of 51-31-12 against Original Six teams since 2005-06, including a 0-4-1 mark vs. Detroit over the span. The Rangers’ .606 win% over the span ranks third, trailing Detroit (.662, 44-21-6) and Montreal (.608, 75-46-13), and ahead of Chicago (.527, 34-30-11), Boston (.518, 61-56-20), and Toronto (.496, 57-58-18).

HOMESTAND NOTES:

• New York is 3-2-0 on their current seven-game homestand
• The Rangers’ are 4-18 (22.2%) on the power play
• Henrik Lundqvist is 2-1-0 with a 2.28 GAA; Martin Biron is 1-1-0 with a 3.50 GAA
• Brad Richards leads the team in scoring with four goals and nine points
• Marian Gaborik (three goals, four assists) and Carl Hagelin (two goals, five assists) have registered seven points apiece
• The seven-game homestand is tied as the longest in franchise history, and is their longest since 2001-02
• The Blueshirts’ previous seven-game homestands were in 1969-70 (4-0-3-0), 1972-73 (4-3-0-0), 1977-78 (3-3-1-0), and 2001-02 (3-2-1-1)
• The Rangers are one of five teams with a homestand of seven or more games on their 2011-12 regular season schedule (Winnipeg – 8, Colorado – 8, Tampa Bay – 7, Vancouver – 7).

HOME SWEET HOME

The Blueshirts’ 25-9-2 (52 pts.) mark at MSG is their best record at home through 36 games since 1991-92 (24-8-4, 52 pts.).

CALDER RACE

First-year forward Carl Hagelin continues to climb up the NHL rookie scoring charts despite only playing in 54 games this season. He currently ranks fifth in the league in rookie scoring with 37 points, fourth with 23 assists and seventh with 14 goals. He also leads all NHL rookies and is tied for 17th overall with a plus-22 rating, is tied for second among first-year players with two shorthanded goals/points, and ranks third among rookies who have played at least 50 games with a .69 points per game average. Since his NHL debut on November 25, Hagelin is tied for first among NHL rookies in points and assists, ranks second in goals and third in shots on goal (112).

PLACE IN HISTORY

The Rangers’ .674 win% is the team’s best record through 72 games in 39 years, when the 1972-73 Blueshirts began the season with a 46-19-7 record (.688 win%), and is the fourth best mark in franchise history. The Rangers reached the 40-win mark in 61 games, which is tied as the second fastest to 40-wins in franchise history.

MEASURING UP

The Rangers rank among the NHL leaders in several statistical categories…

• 2nd in points (97)
• 2nd in win% (.674)
• 2nd in wins (45)
• T-1st in regulation/overtime wins (42)
• 2nd in fewest regulation losses (20)
• 3rd in fewest goals against (155)
• 3rd in GAA (2.15)
• 1st in hits (2,139)
• 4th in blocked shots (1,169)
• 4th in +/- rating (plus-37)
• 6th in goal differential (plus-39)

QUICK HITS:

• The Rangers became the first Eastern Conference team, and second in the league overall, to clinch a playoff spot with a 4-2 win on Monday vs. NJD (game #72); The last time the Blueshirts clinched a playoff berth that early was during the 1991-92 season, when New York clinched on March 8 (through game #68) following a Philadelphia defeat to Vancouver
• This is the latest the Rangers have been in first place of the Eastern Conference standings since the team captured the Presidents’ Trophy during the 1993-94 season. *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau
• New York has registered at least one point in 47 of their last 64 games (42-17-5), dating back to Oct. 29, after beginning the season with a 3-3-2 mark
• New York is 18-2-3 when leading after the first period and 28-0-3 when leading after the second
• The Rangers rank third in the league with a .250 win% when trailing after two periods (5-14-1); The Blueshirts are tied for ninth in the NHL with five third period comeback wins, and have trailed entering the third in only 19 games this season (second fewest in the NHL)
• New York leads the NHL with a .714 win% when out-shooting their opponent (25-9-1)
• The Rangers rank second in the league when scoring first, posting a 32-4-3 mark (.821 win%) in those contests; Their 32 wins rank second in the NHL

THE HOT LIST:

• Brad Richards — 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in the last 13 games; 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last seven games
• Marian Gaborik — 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in the last 11 games; eight points (three goals, five assists) in the last six games
• Carl Hagelin — 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in the last 13 games; seven points (two goals, five assists) in the last four games
• Dan Girardi — five points (one goal, four assists) in the last nine games; three points (one goal, two assists) in the last four games
• Mats Zuccarello — three points (two goals, one assist) in the last five games

MILESTONES APPROACHING:

• Martin Biron — 1 appearance from 500 NHL career

INJURIES:

• Michael Sauer (concussion, 12/5) — 48
• Artem Anisimov (injured, 3/15) — 2
• Steve Eminger (injured, 3/15) — 2

Total Man-Games Lost: 209

The post RANGERS AND WINGS – A GARDEN DELICACY first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

With two weeks left in the regular season the Road Warriors have locked up a playoff berth. With five games remaining they are still very much in the hunt for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Record: 40-22-5, 85 pts., 2nd place South Division

Leaders:

Goals – Brandon Wong: 28
Assists – Justin Bowers: 58
Points – Justin Bowers: 76
+/- – Brandon Wong: +19
PIMs – T.J. Reynolds: 183
PPG – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/#Jeff Prough/Brett Robinson: 9/8
SHG – Brandon Wong: 2
Wins – Jason Missiaen: 22
GAA – Jason Missiaen: 2.75
SVP – Jason Missiaen: .915

# = Not on current roster

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

3/23 & 3/24 vs. Gwinnett – 7:05 p.m. & 7:35 p.m., Home vs. GWT 6-1-0, Away vs. GWT 1-5-2

• The Battle of I-85 will hit the end of the road this weekend in Greenville with the Road Warriors hosting the Gladiators for the final two games of the season. The pendulum of momentum in the season series has swung Gwinnett’s way with the Gladiators winning each of the last three games. Greenville, however, has history on its side when the series comes to the BI-LO Center. The Road Warriors have out-scored Gwinnett 26-16 in winning six of the seven games in Greenville between the clubs. Including last season, the Road Warriors are 12-4-0 at home against Gwinnett. Greenville enters play this week two points behind Gwinnett for first place in the Eastern Conference. Each of the last three times the teams have met first place in the East has been on the line.

Day-by-Day Schedule:

3/19/12– Off

• “Between the Pipes” radio show at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.
• Road Warriors players and Rowdy at Fried Green Tomatoes (Woods Crossing Rd.), 5:30-7:00 p.m.

3/20/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/21/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/22/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/23/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                  Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m.

3/24/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                  Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m.

3/25/12 – Off

• Denotes an appearance/event that is not open to the general public.
• The Road Warriors’ schedule is subject to change.
• It is recommended to contact the Road Warriors to confirm times of certain events, particularly practices.

Road Warriors Broadcast Information

• All Greenville Road Warriors games are broadcast live online courtesy of America One. You can listen to every game free by clicking on the “Listen Live” link located on the Road Warriors’ home page – Greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors Pre-Game Show kicks off every broadcast 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Recapping Last Week:

3/16 at South Carolina: SOW 3-2

Box Score

• Greenville made its penultimate visit to North Charleston this season a memorable one with the Road Warriors forging a late tie and winning a marathon shootout by a goal. Billy Ryan scored a pair of goals in the game for the Stingrays which gave them one-goal leads in the second and third periods. The third-period lead came with just 2:35 remaining in the game. Just 61 seconds after that goal, though, Kale Kerbashian completed a coast-to-coast dash to net the tying goal. Tim Coffman had the other tally for Greenville late in the second period to tie the game at one. After a scoreless overtime it was Jason Missiaen and Billy Sauer turning in masterful performances in the shootout. Trent Campbell and Justin Bowers each scored in the first round but the netminders each stopped the next seven shooters a side. Finally, in the bottom of the ninth, Greenville rookie Francis Meilleur beat Sauer for the game winner. It was Meilleur’s first shootout attempt of the season.

3/17 at Gwinnett: L 3-4

Box Score

• Greenville nearly snapped its losing streak in Gwinnett in its final visit of the season but fell one goal short. First period markers by Brandon Wong and Kale Kerbashian had the Road Warriors ahead 2-0 headed into the second. Momentum swung in Gwinnett’s favor in a big way as the Gladiators started their rally with a power play goal 45 seconds into the session. Three more goals followed as the Gladiators built up a 4-2 lead. Greenville’s Lee Baldwin trimmed the deficit to one when he tipped home a Justin Bowers centering pass with 35 seconds remaining in the stanza. Despite an 11-7 shot advantage in the third period Greenville could not squeeze a shot past Marc Cheverie to tie the score. Nic Riopel turned in 22 saves but suffered his second straight loss since returning from injury.

3/18 vs. Cincinnati: W 5-1

Box Score

• With some help from other teams losing the previous night, Greenville began its five-game home stand with a chance to clinch a Kelly Cup playoff berth with a win over Cincinnati. The Road Warriors’ five-goal assault was led by Brandon Wong who scored his second career hat trick and added an assist for four points. Wong nearly doubled Greenville’s season total for shorthanded goals by scoring a pair of shorties in the third period to complete the hat trick. Cincinnati, which was battling to shore up its eighth seed for the playoffs, launched 47 shots Jason Missiaen’s way, but the rookie goalie stood tall and compiled a career-best 46 saves in earning his 22nd win of the season.

Quick Hits:

• With five points (4G, 1A) in three games last week, Brandon Wong was nominated for ECHL Player of the Week honors. He leads the Road Warriors with 28 goals and a +19 rating. Also, Jason Missiaen was nominated for ECHL Goalie of the Week after going 2-0-0 with 1.44 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage. He has won goalie of the week twice already this season.
• Road Warriors captain T.J. Reynolds leads team defensemen in +/- at +13. He has been even or better in each of Greenville’s nine games in March. His +2 on Sunday’s win over Cincinnati tied his season high for the ninth time.
• With Sunday’s win, goalie Jason Missiaen has crafted his fourth four-game winning streak of the season. He has not allowed more than two goals in any of the four games over the streak, and has held opponents to under three goals in nine of his last 11 starts overall. He is 6-1-0 in the month of March with a 1.80 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage.
• Greenville has a magic number of six to clinch the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. The maximum points fifth place Wheeling can earn is 90 so by subtracting Greenville’s 85 points and adding one you get Greenville’s magic number. Greenville’s magic number is reduced any time Wheeling loses in regulation and the Road Warriors win or lose in overtime/shootout, or when Wheeling loses in overtime/shootout and Greenville wins in regulation.
• Greenville has only South Division teams remaining on its schedule with two games against Gwinnett and three against South Carolina. Four of the five games are at the BI-LO Center where the Road Warriors have a 16-3-1 against South Division foes this season and a 32-10-2 mark in their history.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, March 23: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. – Spinx Family Four-Pack. Round up the family and save on a night at the game with the Spinx Family Four-Pack. With it you get four tickets, four hot dogs, four fountain drinks, and four bags of chips for just $48. You can also show your BI-LO BONUSCARD at the ticket office window starting two hours prior to faceoff to receive up to four free tickets, while supplies last, in the BI-LO Family Fun Section.
• Saturday, March 24: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m. – Pucks and Paws presented by Cleveland Park Animal Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialists. The BI-LO Center will be going to the dogs on March 24! Fans can bring their dogs with them to the game to enjoy the Dog Fun Zone, take part in the cutest dog contest, and more. Also, call in advance to enter your dog in the small dog derby that will take place at intermission.
• Early April: Kelly Cup Playoffs! The Road Warriors have qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season and playoff packages are on sale right now. There are options to pay as you go and playoff packages start at $8.50 per seat per game. Call 864-674-PUCK for information on playoff tickets.

The post ROAD WARRIORS WEEKLY RELEASE: 3/19-3/26/12 first appeared on Howlings.

NY RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

* All information through NHL games on Mar. 13

TONIGHT’S GAME:

• The Rangers will face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.; TV: MSG Network; Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio), in an Atlantic Division match-up. The Blueshirts currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, and rank second in the league overall, with a record of 44-18-7 (95 pts.). The Rangers enter the contest having defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2, on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden for their sixth consecutive home win, and are now 15-6-3 in their last 24 games. The Penguins enter the contest with a 42-21-5 (89 pts.) record to rank fourth in the Eastern Conference, and have won their last nine games. Following the contest, the Rangers will face-off against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, Mar. 17, at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), in the fourth game of their seven-game homestand.

RANGERS vs. PENGUINS:

• All-Time: 117-99-23-8 overall (65-47-9-3 at home; 52-52-14-5 on the road)
• 2011-12: Tonight is the fifth of six meetings this season, and the third and final at Madison Square Garden. New York is 2-2-0 overall (1-1-0 at home; 1-1-0 on the road) following a 2-0 loss on Feb. 21 at CONSOL Energy Center. The Rangers have out-scored the Penguins, 6-3, in second periods. Brad Richards leads the team in scoring with two goals and four points, while Henrik Lundqvist is 2-2-0 with a 2.28 GAA and .931 sv%.
• Last Season: New York was 4-1-1 overall (1-1-1 at home; 3-0-0 on the road). The Rangers power play was 7-22 (31.8%) in the season series, while the penalty kill was 20-22 (90.9%). New York out-scored Pittsburgh, 21-15, including a 10-4 margin in the third period and overtime. Ryan Callahan led the Rangers with five goals, nine points, four power play goals and three game-winning goals in six games, while Brandon Dubinsky tallied a team-high, six assists in the season series. Henrik Lundqvist was 4-1-1 with a 2.29 GAA and .926 sv%.
• The Rangers have registered at least one point in nine of their last 12 games against the Penguins (7-3-2 over the span), and have won four of their last six meetings
• New York ranks fifth with a 24-7-2 (50 pts.) record at home; Pittsburgh ranks eighth with an 18-13-3 (39 pts.) mark on the road
• The Rangers are 13-5-2 vs. the Atlantic Division; the Penguins are 8-7-0 vs. the Atlantic Division
• New York lists two former Penguins on their roster: Ruslan Fedotenko (2008-09 – 2009-10); Mike Rupp (2009-10 – 2010-11)
• Pittsburgh lists one former Ranger on their roster: Pascal Dupuis (2006-07)

INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. PENGUINS:

• Henrik Lundqvist — 42 GP, 22-15-5, 2.40 GAA, 2 SO
• Martin Biron — 33 GP, 13-15-3-2, 2.98 GAA, 2 SO
• Brad Richards — 31 GP, 8-24-32
• Marian Gaborik — 22 GP, 9-11-20
• Brandon Dubinsky — 30 GP, 7-12-19
• Dan Girardi — 34 GP, 1-10-11

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Rangers penalty kill has held opponents scoreless in five of the last seven games (20-22, 90.9%), and are 25-28 (89.3%) in the last nine contests. The Rangers are tied for sixth in the NHL with seven shorthanded goals. The Blueshirts have posted a record of 20-1-4 in games when tallying a power play goal, and are 29-10-3 when not allowing a power play goal.

• Power Play: The Rangers did not tally a goal in three power play attempts (4:52) on Tuesday vs. Carolina. New York ranks 28th overall (34-233, 14.6%) and 22nd at home (19-122, 15.6%). The Rangers are 3-15 (11:31) in five-on-three situations (last – 3/13 vs. CAR), and 2-9 (12:08) when four-on-three (last – 3/11 vs. NYI). Shorthanded goals allowed (3): 12/5 vs. TOR (Steckel); 12/8 vs. TBL (Moore); 12/17 at PHX (Korpikoski).
• Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts surrendered one goal to the Hurricanes in four shorthanded situations (6:09) on Tuesday at MSG. New York is tied for fifth overall (192-222, 86.5%) and sixth at home (84-99, 84.8%). The Rangers are 8-9 (4:34) in three-on-five situations (last – 2/16 vs. CHI), and 2-3 (2:24) when three-on-four (last – 2/16 vs. CHI). Shorthanded goals for (7): 10/20 at CGY (Prust); 12/8 vs. TBL (Anisimov); 12/10 at BUF (Hagelin); 12/10 at BUF (Callahan); 12/20 at NJD (Hagelin); 1/6 at PIT (Dubinsky); 2/12 vs. WSH (Prust).
• Four-on-Four: New York did not tally/yield a goal in one four-on-four situation (1:01) on Tuesday vs. Carolina. The Rangers are plus-six in 75 four-on-four situations (133:49), and even in two three-on-three situations (0:38). Four-on-four goals for (9): 10/18 at VAN (Gaborik); 10/20 at CGY (McDonagh); 10/27 vs. TOR (Girardi); 1/2 vs. FLA (Gaborik); 2/9 vs. TBL (Stepan); 2/9 vs. TBL (Richards); 2/14 at BOS (Anisimov); 2/19 vs. CBJ (Stepan), 2/25 vs. BUF (Callahan). Four-on-four goals allowed (3): 2/9 vs. TBL (Lecavalier); 2/25 vs. BUF (Stafford); 3/2 at TBL (Malone).

HOMESTAND NOTES:

• New York is 2-0-0 on their current seven-game homestand
• Henrik Lundqvist is 1-0-0 with a 2.77 GAA; Martin Biron is 1-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA
• Brad Richards leads the team in scoring with four goals and six points
• Marian Gaborik has tallied a team-high, three assists, along with two goals
• The seven-game homestand is tied as the longest in franchise history, and is their longest since 2001-02
• The Blueshirts’ previous seven-game homestands were in 1969-70 (4-0-3-0), 1972-73 (4-3-0-0), 1977-78 (3-3-1-0), and 2001-02 (3-2-1-1)
• The Rangers are one of five teams with a homestand of seven or more games on their 2011-12 regular season schedule (Winnipeg – 8, Colorado – 8, Tampa Bay – 7, Vancouver – 7)

HOME SWEET HOME:

• The Blueshirts’ 24-7-2 (50 pts.) mark at MSG is their best record at home through 33 games since 1993-94 (23-6-4, 50 pts.).

FAMILIAR FOE:

• The Rangers are 13-5-2 against Atlantic Division opponents this season, including a nine-game winning streak from Nov. 15 –Jan. 6. New York has out-scored their opponent, 57-43, in divisional play.

SIBLING RIVALRY:

• Rangers’ defenseman Marc Staal has faced off against his younger brother, Pittsburgh forward Jordan Staal, 24 times in his career, amassing an 11-11-2 record with eight points (two goals, six assists) and 26 penalty minutes. Jordan has registered a 13-6-5 mark with 13 points (six goals, seven assists) and 24 penalty minutes.

PLACE IN HISTORY:

• The Rangers’ .688 win% is the team’s best record through 69 games in 39 years, when the 1972-73 Blueshirts began the season with a 44-18-7 record (.688 win%), and is tied as the third best mark in franchise history. The Rangers reached the 40-win mark in 61 games, which is tied as the second fastest to 40-wins in franchise history.

MEASURING UP:

The Rangers rank among the NHL leaders in several statistical categories…

• 2nd in points (95)
• 2nd in win% (.688)
• T-2nd in wins (44)
• T-1st in regulation/overtime wins (41)
• T-1st in fewest regulation losses (18)
• 2nd in fewest goals against (145)
• T-2nd in GAA (2.10)
• 1st in hits (2,047)
• 4th in blocked shots (1,128)
• 4th in +/- rating (plus-40)
• 6th in goal differential (plus-42)

QUICK HITS:

• This is the latest the Rangers have been in first place of the Eastern Conference standings since the 1995-96 season, when New York held the top position through games played on Mar. 15, 1996 (NYR game #68). *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau
• New York has registered at least one point in 46 of their last 61 games (41-15-5), dating back to Oct. 29, after beginning the season with a 3-3-2 mark
• New York is 17-2-3 when leading after the first period and 27-0-3 when leading after the second
• The Rangers rank second in the league with a .278 win% when trailing after two periods (5-12-1); The Blueshirts are tied for ninth in the NHL with five third period comeback wins, and have trailed entering the third in only 18 games this season (second fewest in the NHL)
• New York leads the NHL with a .727 win% when out-shooting their opponent (24-8-1)
• The Rangers lead the league when scoring first, posting a 31-3-3 mark (.838 win%) in those contests; Their 31 wins are tied for second in the NHL

THE HOT LIST:

• Brad Richards — four-game point streak (five goals, three assists over the span); 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in the last 18 games; 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in the last 10 games
• Marian Gaborik — three-game assist/point streak (two goals, four assists over the span); 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in the last 27 games; 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last eight games
• Carl Hagelin — 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in the last 14 games; 10 points (four goals, six assists) in the last 10 games
• Dan Girardi — three assists in the last six games
• John Mitchell — two assists in the last three games
• Derek Stepan — six points (two goals, four assists) in the last eight games
• Anton Stralman — four assists in his last six games

INJURIES:

• Michael Sauer (concussion, 12/5) — 45
• Michael Del Zotto (injured, 3/8) — 3
• Ryan Callahan (injured, 3/9) — 2
• Henrik Lundqvist (flu, 3/13) — 1

Total Man-Games Lost: 199

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:

• Mar. 11 — Recalled forward Mats Zuccarello from Connecticut (AHL)
• Mar. 13 — Recalled goaltender Chad Johnson from Connecticut (AHL) on an emergency basis; Returned to Connecticut later in the day

The post PENGUINS PUT THEIR HOPE IN CROSBY AT MSG first appeared on Howlings.

     VERSUS    

NEW YORK RANGERS POST-GAME NOTES
March 13, 2012 (Game 69, Home Game 33)
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

Team Notes:

• The Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2, tonight at Madison Square Garden to improve to 2-0-0 on their seven-game homestand, and are now 15-6-3 in their last 24 games.
• New York has posted a record of 44-18-7 (95 pts.) overall, including a 24-7-2 mark at home.
• The Blueshirts’ 24-7-2 (50 pts.) mark at MSG is their best record at home through 33 games since 1993-94 (23-6-4, 50 pts.).  The Rangers have now won six consecutive games at MSG.
• New York completed their season series against Carolina with a 4-0-0 record, marking the first time since the 2002-03 season the Rangers swept the season series against the Hurricanes (4-0-0). *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau
• The Blueshirts have won six of their last seven games against the Hurricanes.
• The Rangers improved to 14-2-2 against Southeast Division opponents this season, having out-scored their opponents, 62-36, in those contests.
• New York increased their lead over Pittsburgh atop the Atlantic Division standings to six points.

• Brad Richards tallied two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist to extend his point streak to four games (five goals, three assists over the span).  He also registered four shots on goal and posted a plus-three rating in 23:31 of ice time.  Richards has registered 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in the last 18 games, including 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in the last 10 games.  He now leads the team with a career-high, eight game-winning goals on the season.
• Carl Hagelin registered a career-high, three points, including one goal and two assists, and four shots on goal in 19:32 of ice time.  He has tallied 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in the last 14 games, including 10 points (four goals, six assists) in the last 10 games.  Hagelin also posted a career-high, plus-four rating in the contest.  The Rangers improved to 6-0-1 in games when he records two or more points.
• Marian Gaborik opened the game’s scoring at 3:02 of the first period, and added two assists to extend his assist/point streak to three games (two goals, four assists over the span).  He also registered a game-high, six shots on goal, and posted a season-high, plus-four rating in 22:11 of ice time.  Gaborik has now tallied 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in the last 27 games, including 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last eight games.
• Martin Biron made 27 saves to improve to 12-4-2 overall, including a 6-1-0 mark at home.  He is now 2-1-0 with a 2.35 goals against average and .904 save percentage in his last three games.
• Dan Girardi tallied the primary assist on Gaborik’s first period goal, and was credited with three blocked shots in 24:25 of ice time.  He has recorded three assists in the last six games, and is now tied for second among team defensemen with 20 assists on the season.  It is the second time in his career, and second consecutive season, he has reached the 20-assist mark.  Girardi finished the season series against Carolina with three points (one goal, two assists) in four games.
• John Mitchell recorded an assist on Gaborik’s first period goal and logged 9:57 of ice time.  He has now tallied two assists in the last three games.
• Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko tied for the game-high with four blocked shots apiece.
• Stu Bickel was credited with three hits and posted a plus-two rating, while skating in a career-high, 21:54 of ice time.

New York Rangers Transaction Update:

• New York Rangers President and General Manager, Glen Sather, announced following the game that goaltender Chad Johnson has been assigned to the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (AHL).  Johnson was recalled earlier today on an emergency basis.

Post-Game Quotes:                                                

John Tortorella on the Richards-Gaborik-Hagelin line…

“Richie is seeing the ice better.  Obviously he is the key.  That’s the biggest strength in his game is seeing the ice, and I think he feels more confident there.  Gaby is giving and going. He doesn’t want to carry the puck all the time.  But to me the biggest key is Hags (Carl Hagelin).  He chases down pucks.  They have puck possession because he’s always chasing down pucks and he can make a play.”

Marian Gaborik on Brad Richards…

“He’s hot.  He’s confident obviously, which is very important for offensive players.  He knows how to slow the game down and Hags (Carl Hagelin) and I try to get in the holes, get some speed and pressure their defensemen and that’s what we did tonight.”

Martin Biron on tonight’s game…

“It’s a little stressful in a way, when you’ve got a three goal lead and in a matter of a couple of minutes, and a couple of bounces, it’s also the way it happened.  They (Carolina) started creating a lot with their speed, their skill and ability, it hurts you.  I think when we worked hard in the last minute of the period, got that power play, we really made a difference and went to work right in the beginning of the third.  I think that power play came at a good time.  We really did a good job in the third period to preserve that win.”

Team Schedule:                                                              

• The Rangers will return to action when they face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, Mar. 15, at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), in an Atlantic Division match-up.  The game will be televised live on MSG Network and can be heard on 1050 ESPN Radio.

The post HURRICANES DIFFUSED first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors earned five of a possible eight standings points last week and are now just two away from the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They will try to ascend to those heights this week with a trio of games on the slate.

Record: 38-21-5, 81 pts., 2nd place South Division

Leaders:

• Goals – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/Brandon Wong: 27/24
• Assists – Justin Bowers: 56
• Points – Justin Bowers: 74
• +/- – #Brendan Connolly/Brandon Wong: +18/+16
• PIMs – T.J. Reynolds: 177
• PPG – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/#Jeff Prough/Brett Robinson: 9/8
• SHG – Brendan Connolly/#Marc-Olivier Vallerand/Jeremy Gouchie: 1
• Wins – Jason Missiaen: 20
• GAA – Jason Missiaen: 2.82
• SVP – Jason Missiaen: .912
• # = Not on current roster

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

3/16 at S.Carolina – 7:05 p.m., Hm vs. S.C. 6-0-0, Away vs. SC 4-2-0

• The Road Warriors have swayed control in the Battle of the Palmetto State in their favor by winning four straight, including three on the road, against the South Carolina Stingrays. Last week Greenville edged out the Stingrays for a pair of wins at the North Charleston Coliseum. The 3-1 win on Friday night was the Road Warriors’ ninth in the season series (16 total games) and gave them the win in the season series for the second straight season. Friday’s game will be the fourth of seven between the Road Warriors and Stingrays in the month of March.

3/17 at Gwinnett – 7:05 p.m., Home vs. GWT 6-1-0, Away vs. GWT 1-4-2

• The Road Warriors had their winless streak at the Arena at Gwinnett Center hit five (0-3-2) when they suffered a 4-3 shootout loss to the Gladiators last Sunday. The Road Warriors have been extremely close to taking down the Gladiators over the losing skid but can’t quite get over the hump. Of the five losses, four of them have been by one goal, and the Road Warriors haven’t given up more than three goals in regulation in any of the losses. Saturday will be the Road Warriors’ last chance to end the skid because it’s the final trip to Gwinnett. The final two games of the Battle of I-85 will be played in Greenville, where the Road Warriors have won six of seven, on March 23 and 24.

3/18 vs. Cincinnati – 4:05 p.m., Home vs. CIN 0-0-0, Away vs. CIN 2-2-0

• The Road Warriors and Cyclones will engage in the finale of their entertaining season series with a Sunday matinee in Greenville. Three of the previous four meetings have been decided by a goal, one via a shootout, and in every game the team that surrendered the first goal battle back to forge a tie during regulation. Sunday is Cincinnati’s lone visit to the BI-LO Center after playing three games here last season. Greenville went 2-1-0 in those games including a 5-0 triumph on March 18, 2011. It will be Greenville’s first game at home after playing five straight on the road from March 9 to March 17, 2012. Cincinnati, meanwhile, will close out an eight-game road trip with the game.

Day-by-Day Schedule:

3/12/12 – Off

• “Between the Pipes” radio show at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.

3/13/12 – Off

3/14/12 – * Practice at The Pavilion, 9:30 a.m.

• Shannon Forrest Christian School Kickoff Party – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

3/15/12 – * Practice at The Pavilion, 9:30 a.m.

3/16/12 – * Pre-game skate TBD

• Depart for North Charleston, 1:30 p.m.
• Road Warriors at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.

3/17/12 – * Pre-game skate TBD

• Depart for Gwinnett, 2:45 p.m.
• Road Warriors at Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m.

3/18/12 – Road Warriors vs. Cincinnati, 4:05 p.m.

• Denotes an appearance/event that is not open to the general public. The Road Warriors’ schedule is subject to change.

Road Warriors Broadcast Information

• All Greenville Road Warriors games are broadcast live online courtesy of America One.  Listen free to every game by clicking on the “Listen Live” link on the Road Warriors’ home page – Greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors Pre-Game Show kicks off every broadcast 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Recapping Last Week:

3/6 vs. Gwinnett: L 1-3

Box Score

• With first place in the Eastern Conference on the line the Road Warriors were able to take an early first period lead thanks to a power play goal by Blake Parlett. It was the defenseman’s first goal in seven games after being reassigned to the club from Connecticut of the American Hockey League. Goalie Jason Missiaen made the lead stand up through two periods with 21 saves, but in the third the momentum pendulum swung in Gwinnett’s favor. Bryan Brutlag tied the game with a power play goal just over four minutes into the frame and was followed by Andy Brandt and Dallas Jackson markers. Despite 12 shots in the third period against rookie goalie Ryan Zapolski the Road Warriors were unable to dent the back of the net again.

3/9 at South Carolina: W 3-1

Box Score

• The Road Warriors picked up a hard-fought win on Friday night in North Charleston and used the win to pick up a game in hand, along with two points, over the idle Gladiators. In his first game of the season with Greenville Chris McKelvie snapped a shot past Philipp Grubauer 24 seconds into the game and gave Greenville a lead it would not relinquish. Former Stingray Jeff Caister padded the lead to two with a power play goal at 19:52 of the second period. It turned out to be the game winner because South Carolina’s Derek Keller punched a goal past Jason Missaien late in the third to trim Greenville’s lead to one. But Brandon Wong responded with an empty net goal to salt away the win.

3/10 at South Carolina: SOW 3-2

Box Score

• Greenville finished off its pair of games against South Carolina with a flourish as the Road Warriors captured a dramatic shootout victory. The Road Warriors gained a 2-0 advantage on first-period goals by Brandon Wong and Tim Coffman. For the second straight game Greenville scored on its first shot of the game, but this time around Wong didn’t register it until 3:43 had run off the clock. The Road Warriors held South Carolina without a shot for the first 9:38 but, just like them, the Stingrays scored on that to trim the deficit to one. Billy Ryan scored the equalizer for South Carolina just over 14 minutes into the second, but neither team found the net again in the third or overtime. Ryan scored again in the shootout but Jason Missiaen blanked the next four shooters. Wong and Kale Kerbashian scored for Greenville to pave the way to the win.

3/11 at Gwinnett: SOL 3-4

Box Score

• It was their second-straight game going into a shootout, but the second time around wasn’t as sweet for the Road Warriors. They battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to grab a 2-1 lead after one thanks to goals by Bretton Cameron and Brett Robinson. Nic Riopel made his first start since January 28 and stopped eight of the nine shots he saw in the first to ensure the lead. In the second Gwinnett scored a pair of goals, including one on a power play, to briefly take a 3-2 lead before Sean Berkstresser potted his 10th of the season to tie it. Despite a 13-6 shot advantage over the third period and overtime the Road Warriors could not put any more pucks past Marc Cheverie. It remained the same in the shootout as Justin Bowers, Brandon Wong, Kale Kerbashian, and Robinson were all stonewalled while Nikita Kashirsky and Justin Milo scored on Riopel.

Quick Hits:

• Brandon Wong has scored at least one point in 16 of the last 20 games he has played in. That run has pushed him to a career-best in goals (24), assists (28) and points (52). Brandon is now two points away from 100 in his Road Warriors career. He would join Justin Bowers (126), Brendan Connolly (105), and Marc-Olivier Vallerand (103) in the 100 point club.
• Justin Bowers leads the ECHL with 56 assists and is second in points with 74. He has recorded an assist in five of the six games Greenville has played in February. He also needs just five more goals to tie his career-best 23 from the 2009-10 season with Allen of the Central Hockey League.
• Brett Robinson became the fourth Road Warriors player to reach 20 goals on the season with his score on March 11 at Gwinnett. Greenville is tied with Ontario for the most players (active and inactive combined) with 20 or more goals scored. Last season Greenville had four players reach 20 or more goals and finished with the second most goals in the league – 255.
• Greenville has a magic number of five to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoffs berth entering this week’s play. The maximum points ninth place Reading can earn is 85 so by subtracting Greenville’s 81 points and adding one you get Greenville’s magic number. Greenville’s magic number is reduced any time the ninth place team loses in regulation and the Road Warriors win or lose in overtime/shootout, or when the ninth place team loses in overtime/shootout and Greenville wins in regulation.
• Greenville carries the league’s best power play on the road at 26.4 percent. The Road Warriors’ 37 road power play goals are also tops in the league. They have scored at least one power play goal in each of their last five games since being shut out in Reading on February 25.

Upcoming Events:

• Sunday, March 18: Road Warriors vs. Cincinnati, 4:05 p.m. – Family Day. It’s the final Sunday home game of the season so don’t miss the last post-game skate with the Road Warriors after the game. Anyone with a ticket can skate for free after the game and skates are available to rent. On Family Day, children 12 years old and younger can get a ticket for $5 anywhere in the arena.
• Friday, March 23: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. – Spinx Family Four-Pack. Round up the family and save on a night at the game with the Spinx Family Four-Pack. With it you get four tickets, four hot dogs, four fountain drinks, and four bags of chips for just $48.
• Saturday, March 24: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m. – Pucks and Paws presented by Cleveland Park Animal Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialists. The BI-LO Center will be going to the dogs on March 24! Fans can bring their dogs with them to the game to enjoy the Dog Fun Zone, take part in the cutest dog contest, and more. Also, call in advance to enter your dog in the small dog derby that will take place at intermission.

The post ROAD WARRIORS WEEKLY RELEASE: 3/12 TO 3/18/12 first appeared on Howlings.

WHALE’S CT HOCKEY HALL OF FAME NIGHT IS THIS SATURDAY

*           *           *           *

Includes Poster Giveaway, First-intermission Induction Ceremony, Autograph Session, Jersey Auction

The Connecticut Whale’s CT Hockey Hall of Fame Night is coming up this Saturday, March 10 at the XL Center, as the Whale host the Norfolk Admirals in a 7:00 game.

The night marks the enshrinement of a new class of 2012 inductees into the CT Hockey Hall of Fame, which has adopted eight members from the storied Hartford Whalers Hall of Fame.  The new inductees are: Connecticut-bred Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Leetch, ex-Hartford Whalers 56-goal scorer Blaine Stoughton, former Whalers goaltender Mike Liut, former Whalers captain Pat Verbeek, Connecticut Whale/Hartford Wolf Pack franchise icon, long-time captain and current head coach Ken Gernander, three-time Olympic medalist for Team USA and all-time NCAA women’s leading scorer Julie Chu, and one of the founders of the New England Whalers, William E. Barnes.

The honorees will be officially enshrined into the Hall of Fame in an induction ceremony during the first intermission.  The ceremony will feature the raising of a Hall of Fame banner and video tributes to each inductee.  Fans can take home a special souvenir of the night, as 5,000 Hall of Fame posters will be distributed, courtesy of SuperCuts.

The pre-game festivities will include a return appearance by the band “Scarlet Fade” and a free autograph session by Whalers Alumni Russ Anderson, Garry Swain, Norm Barnes and Yvon Corriveau.

There will also be an autograph session in the second intermission featuring selected members of the Hall of Fame class.  Those committed at this point are Brian Leetch, Mike Liut, Blaine Stoughton and Pat Verbeek.  The autograph session will be limited to 250 attendees, and a special autograph session pass, which can be purchased for $20, is required.  An application form for a pass can be found on the Whale’s official website here, and first priority in awarding the passes will be given to Whale full-season seat-holders.

Additionally, in Saturday’s pre-game warm-up each Whale player will wear a jersey commemorating the career of one of the inductees.  For example, one of the players will wear a Blaine Stoughton New England Whalers jersey, one will wear a Stoughton Hartford Whalers sweater and one will sport a Stoughton New Haven Nighthawks jersey, etc..  All of the jerseys are authentic, hand-crafted and of the highest quality.  A number of the jerseys will then be available for bids in a silent auction in the arena on Saturday night, and a portion of them will be auctioned on-line.  A full list of all the different commemorative jerseys is available here.  The pregame warm-up period runs from approximately 6:25-6:40 PM.

This will be the first class of Hall of Fame inductees since 1990, and further details are available at CTHockeyHOF.org.

An overview of the schedule of events:

5:30-7:00: “Scarlet Fade” band performs in the Atrium.

6:15-7:00: Four members of the Hartford Whalers Alumni — Russ Anderson, Norm Barnes, Yvon Corriveau and Garry Swain will sign autographs in the concourse (inside main entrance).

6:20 – 6:40: CT Whale players take the ice wearing classic CT hockey jerseys.

1st Intermission: HOF Banner Raising Ceremony.

7:00-2nd intermission: Classic jersey silent auction in Atrium.

2nd intermission:  HOF inductees sign autographs in Atrium.

Tickets to CT Hockey Hall of Fame Night, and all 2011-12 Whale home games, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at CTWhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit CTWhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit CTLottery.org.

The post LEETCH, GERNANDER LEAD CT HOCKEY HOF CLASS first appeared on Howlings.

       VERSUS     

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors were unable to overtake the Gwinnett Gladiators for the top spot in the South Division as they fell 3-1 on Tuesday night at the BI-LO Center. The loss dropped Greenville to 36-21-4 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

Greenville had been without a power play goal in its last eight tries on home ice entering Tuesday’s game. Defenseman Blake Parlett put that slump on ice early on and lifted Greenville to a 1-0 advantage. Parlett’s first goal since re-joining the Road Warriors came 3:32 into the game with assists going to Kale Kerbashian and Justin Bowers. For Kerbashian, it was his third point in as many games since re-joining Greenville’s lineup. The Road Warriors continued to press throughout the period and totaled 15 shots against rookie goalie Ryan Zapolski. Gwinnett, in turn, tested Jason Missiaen with 10 but was unable to erase Greenville’s advantage.

The second period afforded both teams some solid scoring opportunities, but Missiaen and Zapolski were both able to keep the attackers at bay. Zapolski came through on a 3-on-1 rush as the angle he played forced Justin Bowers to shoot one over the cross bar. Then late in the frame he came through with a stick save on a breakaway by Bretton Cameron. Missiaen was plenty busy himself as Gwinnett tested him with 11 shots in the frame. He was up to task each time to keep Greenville ahead by one.

In the third period, Gwinnett’s offense was able to break through for three goals while the Road Warriors could not solve Zapolski again. After Gwinnett got goals from Bryan Brutlag at 4:06 and Andy Brandt at 7:24 the Road Warriors had appeared to tie the game when Tim Coffman pushed a puck home from the edge of the crease. It was ruled, however, that the Road Warriors had a player illegally in the crease and the goal was waved off. The Road Warriors started sending the defensemen crashing into the offensive zone at every opportunity, but the aggressiveness led to a 3-on-1 for Gwinnett the other way and Dallas Jackson hit pay-dirt with 1:27 to go and set the final score.

Missiaen sustained the loss while making 29 saves on the night. Greenville was 1-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return to the BI-LO Center for their next home game on Sunday, March 18 at 4:05 p.m. against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Join the Road Warriors for Family Day. Any child 12 years old or younger can get a seat anywhere in the building for just $5! There will also be the traditional post-game skate with the Road Warriors. It’s free to skate with the team after the game to anyone who has a ticket to the game. Skates are also available to rent. There are discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability for any group of 10 or more that books in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post ROAD WARRIORS COME UP SHORT first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors started the final month of the season with a surge and won a pair of home games to begin the final sprint to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. This week is chocked full of action with four games against South Division foes on the slate.

Record: 36-20-4, 76 pts., 2nd place South Division

Leaders:

Goals – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/Brandon Wong: 27/22
Assists – Justin Bowers: 51
Points – Justin Bowers: 69
+/- – Brendan Connolly: +18
PIMs – T.J. Reynolds: 170
PPG – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/#Jeff Prough/Brett Robinson: 9/8
SHG – Brendan Connolly/#Marc-Olivier Vallerand/Jeremy Gouchie: 1
Wins – Jason Missiaen: 18
GAA – Jason Missiaen: 2.90
SVP – Nic Riopel/Jason Missiaen: .910

# = Not on current roster

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

3/6 vs. Gwinnett & 3/11 at Gwinnett – 7:35 p.m. & 4:05 p.m., Home vs. GWT 6-0-0, Away vs. GWT 1-4-1

Home ice has provided a huge advantage in the Battle of I-85 this season with Greenville winning just once in Gwinnett, and the Gladiators unable to capture victory in Greenville. The Road Warriors will look to capitalize on that advantage in their first game this week then try to buck the trend in their final game on the week on Sunday. Greenville is again trying to hunt Gwinnett down for the top spot in the South Division and Eastern Conference. The Road Warriors had taken first with a 2-1 win in Cincinnati on Feb. 28 but Gwinnett moved back ahead with a win on Sunday while Greenville was idle.

3/9 & 3/10 at South Carolina – 7:05 p.m. & 7:05 p.m., Home vs. S.C. 6-0-0, Away vs. S.C. 2-2-0

The Road Warriors have won the last two games in the Battle of the Palmetto State and they will try to build that streak up when they visit North Charleston on Friday. The games at the North Charleston Coliseum this weekend will be the second and third, of seven, games between Greenville and South Carolina in the month of March. Greenville’s back-to-back wins in the series have helped it move seven points ahead of the Stingrays in the South Division race entering this week.

Day-by-Day Schedule:

3/5/12 – * Practice at The Pavilion, 9:00 a.m.

              “Between the Pipes” radio show at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.

              Road Warriors and Rowdy at all three SportsClub locations, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

3/6/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m.

3/7/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/8/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/9/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

               Depart for North Charleston, 1:30 p.m.

               Road Warriors at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.

3/10/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                Depart for North Charleston, 1:30 p.m.

                Road Warriors at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.

3/11/12 – Road Warriors at Gwinnett, 4:05 p.m.

* Denotes an appearance/event that is not open to the general public.

The Road Warriors’ schedule is subject to change. It is recommended to contact the Road Warriors to confirm times of certain events, particularly practices.

Road Warriors Broadcast Information

All Greenville Road Warriors games are broadcast live online courtesy of America One. You can listen to every game for free by clicking on the “Listen Live” link located on the team’s home page – GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com. The Road Warriors Pre-Game Show kicks off every broadcast 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Recapping Last Week:

2/28 at Cincinnati: W 2-1        

Box Score

• The Road Warriors shrugged off an early setback and earned their second consecutive comeback win with a 2-1 triumph last Tuesday. The Cyclones went up 1-0 just over a minute into the game when Anthony Luciani’s shot from the edge of the crease banked off of Lee Baldwin’s skate past Jason Missiaen. Greenville’s goaltending and defense battened down the hatches from there and held the Cyclones without a goal the rest of the way. Brandon Wong drew Greenville even with a power play goal in the second period, and Jason Wilson scored his second game-winning goal of the season early in the third. Missiaen turned in 23 saves while picking up the win.

3/2 vs. South Carolina: OTW 2-1

Box Score

• Greenville and South Carolina treated 5,083 fans to a thrilling contest in Greenville’s second-annual Pink in the Rink game. The tightly played defensive battle saw both clubs struggle to generate much offense, but provide plenty of bruising checks over the first 20 minutes of play. The Stingrays then drew blood early in the second when Daniel Koger sent a wrist shot from the right wing past the blocker of Jason Missiaen. Feeling the desperation, the Road Warriors mounted their comeback effort in the third and sent 12 shots Philipp Grubauer’s way. The 12th shot ended up as the one that beat him as Brandon Wong sent the game to extra time. After killing off a tripping minor to Jeremy Gouchie, the Road Warriors snagged the win on Justin Bowers’ 18th goal of the season with 14 seconds remaining in OT.

3/3 vs. Trenton: W 6-3

Box Score

• Trenton was the final Atlantic Division team to visit the BI-LO Center this season and it turned out it was the only Atlantic team Greenville beat on home ice. Saturday’s win didn’t feature the high drama of the previous two games last week because the Road Warriors raced out to a 4-0 lead by the time the second period was almost halfway over. In just his second game back after 70 days out of the lineup Kale Kerbashian provided a pair of goals to help Greenville build a 3-0 lead. Sandwiched between Kerbashian’s scores was rookie Tim Coffman’s first professional goal. Tallies by Sean Berkstresser, Brandon Wong, and Bretton Cameron rounded out Greenville’s scoring for the game. Trenton was able to trim the deficit as low as two on goals by Steve Silva, Ryan Hayes, and Randy Rowe.

Quick Hits:

• Brandon Wong is nominated for ECHL Player of the Week Honors. The second-year forward out of Victoria, British Columbia had three goals and an assist for four points in three games last week. Wong is working on a four-game goal streak and has six points (4G, 2A) over the streak.
• Justin Bowers’ overtime winner on March 2 against South Carolina was the first overtime game-winning goal of his career. He is five goals away from tying his career high 23 from the 2009-10 season with Allen of the Central Hockey League.
• Goalie Jason Missiaen has started 15 of the last 16 games that Greenville has played in dating back to the start of February. The rookie from Chatham, ON has posted a 10-4-1 mark over that span with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Missiaen has given up two goals or fewer in five of his last six starts and has moved to 14th in the ECHL with a 2.90 goals-against average.
• Greenville has a magic number of 12 to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoffs berth entering this week’s play. The maximum points ninth place Chicago can earn is 88 so by subtracting Greenville’s 76 points, you get the magic number. Greenville’s magic number is reduced any time the ninth place team loses in regulation and the Road Warriors win or lose in overtime / shootout, or when the ninth place team loses in overtime/shootout and Greenville wins in regulation.
• Greenville’s has the fifth-best offense in the ECHL with a 3.32 goals per game average. That is slightly off the pace from last year’s squad that tied for the league lead with 255 goals – a 3.54 per game clip.

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, March 6: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. – Two For Tuesday. Show your BI-LO BONUSCARD at the Breakaway Honda Ticket Office window to get a free ticket when you buy another ticket of equal value.
• Sunday, March 18: Road Warriors vs. Cincinnati, 4:05 p.m. – Family Day. It’s the final Sunday home game of the season so don’t miss the last post-game skate with the Road Warriors after the game. Anyone with a ticket can skate for free after the game and skates are available to rent. On Family Day, children 12 years old and younger can get a ticket for $5 anywhere in the arena.
• Friday, March 23: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. – Spinx Family Four-Pack. Round up the family and save on a night at the game with the Spinx Family Four-Pack. With it you get four tickets, four hot dogs, four fountain drinks, and four bags of chips for just $48.
• Saturday, March 24: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m. – Pucks and Paws. The BI-LO Center will be going to the dogs on March 24! Fans can bring their dogs with them to the game to enjoy the Dog Fun Zone, take part in the cutest dog contest, and more. Also, call in advance to enter your dog in the small dog derby that will take place at intermission.

The post ROAD WARRIORS WEEKLY RELEASE: 3/5 – 3/11/12 first appeared on Howlings.