Bridgeport @ Rats 3/20/05

Rats get their second straight shut-out in a row, winning 1-0 in OT over Bridgeport on a PP goal by Ahren Nittel, who now has 21 goals on the season. Scott Clemmensen records the SO, only having to make 11 saves..........

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=140158

Sorry Jared, you get your own thread. :)

I'm not sure any Rats team has ever recorded back-to-back shutouts before, but it was definitely nice to see the boys win a game that they totally deserved to win. The Tigers were really kept in the game by Wade Dubielewicz and some poor finishing by the Rats. Dubielewicz made a spectacular diving stick-save on a shorthanded chance when Rheaume fed Murphy across the crease for what should have been an easy tap-in. Murphy was actually stopped on at least three big scoring chances, and Dubielewicz also made a handful of other great saves. Towards the end I started dreading a shootout (which is not Clemmensen's strength), but Nittel's usual one-timer from the right circle on the powerplay saved the day. I think Nittel is at least in the top-five in the AHL in powerplay goals (16), and his shooting percentage (.198) is right up there as well.

Bobby Allen left the game in the first period and did not return.

:handclap: for Nittel!!!

11 shots for Bridgeport, whats the story with that?

Now that’s Devilsesque hockey, outshooting the opponent 29-11.

I think Nittel is at least in the top-five in the AHL in powerplay goals (16), and his shooting percentage (.198) is right up there as well.Right you are. Nittel is tied for second in the AHL in powerplay goals, one behind leader Brad Boyes of Providence. Nittel is also third in shooting percentage.

1. Y. Lehoux, Manchester .253
2. J. Jaffray, Manitoba .245
3. A. Nittel, Albany .198

Woah, two straight shutouts for Albany; amazing.

Guess that Arhen Nittel guy is pretty good. Hopefully he can bring that PP magic up to NJ when he gets a call up (not if, I think he'll get a looooong look by the parent club).

So who is next to go against the steamrollin' Rats?

I'm sure this isn't directly related, but has Hale been back for these two shutouts, and how has he held up?

I'm sure this isn't directly related, but has Hale been back for these two shutouts, and how has he held up?

He's been playing every other game so far (no sense in rushing him, I guess) so he played Friday and Sunday this weekend. I didn't watch him very closely, but he appeared to be doing alright on Sunday; he even played a little in OT.

He's been playing every other game so far (no sense in rushing him, I guess) so he played Friday and Sunday this weekend. I didn't watch him very closely, but he appeared to be doing alright on Sunday; he even played a little in OT.Thank God. I love that kid. Anybody who played for the Sioux City Musketeers (http://scmusketeers.com/) before playing with the Devils is my boy. Of course Hale is the only one to do that, but what the heck.