IceCaps vs Albany Series Recap: Michael McCarron powers St. John’s with four goals

Coming off a tough weekend which saw the IceCaps drop two games to the Rochester Americans, there was added pressure coming into the series against Albany.

On Tuesday night, Zachary Fucale was the star of the show. The rookie net minder, who has been heavily relied upon following Dustin Tokarski’s call-up, made 44 saves en route to a 3-2 victory. Mark MacMillan, Mark Barberio and Michael McCarron had the goals for St. John’s. Defenseman Josiah Didier chipped in with two assists. Rod Pelley and Corey Tropp scored for the visitors as former Habs prospect, Yann Danis, made 28 saves in the loss.

The game was supposed to be Christian Thomas‘ first since his demotion from Montreal. But the winger was traded to the Arizona Coyotes just before puck drop. Jacob de la Rose, who had just returned to the lineup after a stint on the IR, did not dress in either game against the Devils.

On Wednesday, the IceCaps welcomed Lucas Lessio to the lineup. The 22 year old was the other half of the Thomas trade. Sylvain Lefebvre put Lessio on the top line, alongside Bud Holloway and McCarron, and it didn’t take long for the new line-mates to gel.

30 seconds after puck drop, McCarron squeaked a shot behind Devils starter Scott Wedgewood. Lessio and Holloway picked up assists on the goal.

Anthony Miceli added to the lead just six minutes later, his third goalof the season. MacCarron finished a strong first period by putting his second of the game past Wedgewood, who would be pulled in favour of Danis after allowing three goals on only six shots.

The IceCaps dominated their opponent in period. Albany looked deflated, part of which could have been due to watching Mike Sislo be taken off on a stretcher. After a mid ice collision with Stefan Fournier, Sislo appeared to get cut by the skate of the IceCaps forward on his thigh.

The second period was a different story for St. John’s. Silo returned to the Devils bench, which sparked the visitors. Albany seemed to be on a period long power play, judging by the amount play in the IceCaps end. Fan favourite, Eddie Pasquale produced some great saves to keep the Caps in the lead. Eventually, the Devils got on the board, courtesy of Blake Pietila. But that was all they could muster through the second stanza.

Joel Hanley extended the IceCaps lead with an absolute laser on the power play. Gabriel Dumont drew a defender with fake slap shot, before sliding the puck to Hanley, who made no mistake.

In the third, Pasquale stood on his head, making 21 saves. The IceCaps could only produce four shots on goal, but one of which was a goal. McCarron’s third on the night wrapped up the game.

The big rookie now has 13 goals on the year, as well as two hat tricks. Defensman, Morgan Ellis, picked up two assists to snap a six-game pointless streak.

St. John’s doesn’t play again until boxing day in Toronto. They’ll return to Mile One Centre on the 8th of January for a series against Portland

IceCaps 3 stars of the series:

1. Michael McCarron – 4 goals

2. Eddie Pasquale – 45 Saves

3. Zachary Fucale – 44 Saves

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IceCaps 3 stars of the series:

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