Lightning fast goals pace Falcons

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Falcons beat the Manchester Monarchs 4-1 on Friday night in front of 2,235 at the MassMutual Center. The Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak and Springfield is now a perfect 2-0 on home ice this year as they prepare to host Hartford on Saturday.

After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the Falcons offense exploded in the second 20 minutes of play. In the second period, after falling behind 1-0 when Manchester's Oscar Moller scored at 10:11, the Falcons responded with three goals in 57-seconds taking a 3-1 lead. Chad Wiseman, who was making his Falcons debut, evened the score at 1-1 when he converted at 15:22 of the middle period, followed by Colton Fretter scoring his first goal of the year at 15:51, followed by Geoff Paukovich tucking one home at 16:19 of the second frame.

The Falcons' wave of goals occurred after Springfield goaltender Devan Dubnyk robbed Manchester's Brandon Segal midway through the second period keeping the game at the time, a one-goal Falcons' deficit.

Late in the middle stanza, Springfield's Theo Peckham and Manchester's Drew Bagnall dropped the gloves with each player landing a few good punches.

Colin McDonald closed out the scoring with an empty net goal late in the third period giving Springfield a 4-1 win.