On Monday, December 14, the St. John’s IceCaps took a break from the ice to take part in the annual Janeway Children’s Hospital visit. The players and coaches visited the rooms of young patients and their families to offer excitement, encouragement, and a gift, while the organization made a $10 000 donation to the hospital.
After helping bring joy to the community, it’s back down to business as they try to put an end to their growing losing streak. The IceCaps are currently in the midst of their longest losing streak this season, with three straight losses (two in regulation, one in overtime).
This Tuesday and Wednesday, they will battle the Albany Devils to wrap up their four-game homestand. Their first — and only — meeting with the Devils was in the middle of a six-game road trip, on December 2. Although they were able to extend their point streak to nine games, they weren’t lucky enough to take home the win.
Defenseman Jarred Tinordi, and goaltender Dustin Tokarski had been sent down to the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate for a conditioning stint during this road trip. Tinordi made his presence felt by playing a great game, nearly putting his team on the scoreboard with a wraparound.
The Devils peppered Tokarski all night, but he was on his game and kicked out 36 of 38 shots, earning himself second star of the night. Captain Gabriel Dumont was the only player to get the IceCaps in the game when he evened the score just minutes after the first goal by the Devils.
The game, once again, headed into overtime where Dumont fought hard for the win, taking every shot handed to him. Alas, he missed on a short-handed breakaway and the IceCaps were unable to get out of their zone to finish the game. The Devils found an opening on the short side, and claimed the 2-1 win.
The IceCaps (12-7-5-2) are hot on the trail of the Devils (16-5-3-0) in the North Division standings, holding steady in third place with the Devils sitting four points ahead in second. The IceCaps’ Bud Holloway sits near the top of the scoring race in eighth place, with 24 points (7 G, 17 A), but Albany’s Mike Sislo, who helped take down the IceCaps during their last meeting, is just as dangerous an offensive threat, close behind Holloway with 22 points (13 G, 9 A).
While the IceCaps are fighting for redemption this week, there will also be some extra fun for the fans. Continuing on with the holiday events that are being held during this homestand, the IceCaps will be holding their annual Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Nights with amazing prizes up for grabs. During Wednesday’s game they’ll have an extra bonus when they host the Last Fan Standing Trip Giveaway. What will a lucky fan win? A trip for two to Montreal to see the Canadiens play!
Maybe focusing on the Christmas break will give the IceCaps the energy they need during these back-to-back games. The next time they hit the ice for a game won’t be until Boxing Day, where they’ll wrap up the year by hitting the road.
