Mike Richards collects first career AHL goal in regular season
MANCHESTER, NH – Mike Richards had a goal and two assists, helping the Monarchs to a 4-1 win over Albany on Wednesday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
“I’m getting used to playing with the same linemates, and getting to know them a little bit better,” Richards said. “I thought we made some plays tonight, but still have some things to work on.”
Richards joined the Monarchs Jan. 27 after he was placed on waivers by the LA Kings.
Brian O’Neill also had three points, tallying a shorthanded goal and two assists.
Richards opened the scoring just 1:16 into the game, tallying his first goal of the year for Manchester. The goal came off of assists from O’Neill and Jordan Weal.
With 4:06 remaining in the first, Andrew Crescenzi doubled the Monarchs’ lead to 2-0. The goal marked Crescenzi’s third of the season.
At the 11:29 mark of the second frame, O’Neill received a pass from Richards on the penalty kill. The pass left him open to put a move on the goaltender and giving both players their second points of the game.
The Devils got on the board with 3:31 remaining in the second when Mike Sislo cut the lead to 3-1.
Colin Miller netted his 11th goal of the year at 2:17 of the third period, bringing the score to 4-1 Monarchs. Both O’Neill and Richards picked up their third points of the night with assists on the goal.
The Monarchs return to the ice on Friday when they travel to Providence for a 7 p.m. game. This Saturday marks the annual “Pink in the Rink” game, also against the Bruins. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Breast Care Center at CMC.
Notes:
- Tonight was Brian O’Neill’s 13th multi-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 31 vs. STJ.
- O’Neill’s shorthanded goal was his second of the year.
- Mike Richards scored the first regular-season AHL goal of his career.
- The Monarchs improved to 21-4-1-1 when scoring the first goal of the game.
- David Van der Gulik engaged in his first fight of the season at 19:51 in the second.
