After the second weekend of the young season, Springfield trails division leading Hartford by just one point. The Wolfpack also remain undefeated in regulation, their only blemish being a shootout loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Opening Night.
Erixon, upon his arrival in Springfield, sat down with Falcons head coach Brad Larsen. Larsen was overlooked in the running for AHL Coach of the Year last season, but this simple gesture is one more reason why the second year bench boss is so good at what he does.
Obviously, whatever was discussed had the desired effect.
Falcons Game 2 – Saturday October 12 vs. Worcester Sharks
The oft times quirky AHL schedule saw the Sharks taking to the ice a full week after all of their opponents in the Eastern Conference had already done so.
Lukas Sedlak picked up his first pro goal when he redirected a Tim Erixon wrister from the point. Cody Goloubef was credited with the secondary assist. Dalton Smith kept his feet moving during the entire sequence. Although not registered on the scoresheet, this play doesn’t happen without Smitty’s effort.
Jake Hansen, another forward who leaves nothing on the bench when he takes his shift, lit the lamp twice for the Birds. Hansen’s second came while Springfield was short handed.
The Falcons opened up a 4-1 lead, but the Sharks weren’t done. A power play goal by Brodie Reid late in the middle frame, then one by James Livingston early in the third period made for an exciting final 15 minutes in regulation time.
Down the stretch for the second consecutive Saturday night, Jeremy Smith gave the Falcons the boost they needed in goal as they held on for the 4-3 victory.
Falcons Game 3 – Sunday October 13 at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
The Falcons first road effort of the season was an extension of their well deserved Saturday night win.
Again on Sunday, Tim Erixon played a great game, earning first star accolades. Erixon added a goal and an assist against the Sound Tigers, making it a five point weekend in his return to the Falcons.
Possibly because of his ability to move the puck, Erixon’s addition to the lineup saw coach Larsen dress seven D-men for both weekend games.
Blake Parlett returned to the lineup for Sunday’s tilt, seeing his first action of the young season. Parlett’s return left Austin Madaisky as the odd man out.
Mike McKenna also saw his first action in a Falcons sweater. The ninth year pro had his shutout bid foiled late in the final stanza when Johan Sundstrom converted a shorty, leaving the final score 3-1 for Springfield.
Transactions this week:
Ryan Craig up to the Jackets
Tim Erixon sent on loan to the Falcons (both on Friday)
The week ahead:
The Birds have two games this week. First up is Friday night in Providence, RI against the always difficult Bruins. Face off time is set for 7:05PM. Then, on Saturday night, Springfield heads up to Glens Falls, NY for a date with the Adirondack Phantoms. Game time is 7PM.