by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report
BRAMPTON, ON — The Brampton Beast were coming off a much needed 4-2 win over Norfolk on Friday night at the Powerade Centre. The second game of the weekend home stand was a Sunday afternoon contest against the Adirondack Thunder the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
The Beast gained their second consecutive victory with a thrilling shootout victory over the Thunder. Once again the story of the game was the play of goaltender Andrew D’Agostini.
Brampton has gained momentum recording points in three of their last six games. But despite their improved play of late, the Beast still sit tenth of 13 teams in the Eastern Conference and need to continue to pile up points to close the gap on the top teams ahead of them. Brampton has compiled a 4-7-1-1 record this season.
Brampton continues to struggle on special teams ranked at 16th overall in the 27 team league on the power-play and penalty-killing. The power-play has only recorded nine goals in 60 attempts this season at a 15 per cent efficiency, well below acceptable levels in the league this season.
Despite numerous roster moves the Beast haven’t been able to resolve their shortcomings on the power-play. The penalty-kill is operating at a respectable 81.2 per cent rate only 10 per cent off the league leading Rapid City Rush.
In roster moves, the Beast are still without Michael McNiven who is with the Laval Rocket, AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Brampton released goaltender Nate Mahle from his standard player contract (SPC) as they welcomed AHL veteran Chris Driedger who backstopped the Brampton win on Friday night and was subsequently was recalled by Belleville of the AHL on Sunday. The Beast then signed goaltender J.P. Anderson to a SPC to fill the backup role.
Brampton released forward Corey Durocher as they signed free agent forward Alex Foster. He wasted no time making an impression as Foster recorded a goal and an assist in his first game with the Beast. Brampton also completed a trade with Toledo for veteran forward Colin Martin, a physical player who will create time and space for his linemates.
The Beast welcomed back defenceman Cody Donaghey from the Belleville Senators. Both Bryan Cameron and Tyson Wilson remain on injured reserve with the Beast.
Brampton has a busy schedule in the second half of November as the play five games. The next date is a long road trip to face the Worcester Railers on Tuesday morning. Then the Beast return home for a four-game homestand, including two games against the Reading Royals to close out the week.
Next week, the Beast welcome the Kalamazoo Wings and Toledo Walleye to close out November. Brampton will play nine of their next 11 games at the Powerade Centre.