Recap: Bruins 4, Islanders 2
Oct 18, 2023Kyle MacLean scored his first two goals of the season on Wednesday night, as the Bridgeport Islanders (1-2-0-0), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 4-2 loss to the Providence Bruins (1-1-0-1) at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
The Islanders took a 2-2 deadlock into the third period for the third consecutive game to begin the season. Jakub Skarek (1-1-0) turned aside 28 shots.
MacLean put the Islanders out front just 6:28 into the contest with a heavy wrist shot that leaked behind goaltender Michael DiPietro. The 24-year-old wrestled the puck free near the top of the right circle, moved to the deep slot, and released a bullet that was too much for the Bruins’ netminder. MacLean’s unassisted tally made it 1-0.
Providence responded with two goals in a span of 38 seconds to take its first lead. Justin Brazeau wandered to the doorstep and hammered home John Farinacci’s centering pass from behind the net at 12:03 before Trevor Kuntar cleaned up a rebound for his first pro goal at 12:41.
MacLean retaliated less than five minutes later to tie the game at 2-2 and secure his first career multi-goal game. Grant Hutton orchestrated the chance from the left circle by sending a cross-ice feed to the slot, where MacLean wired home a one-time slap shot past DiPietro’s blocker.
The Islanders outshot the Bruins 10-9 in the second period, but both goaltenders showed up and took the 2-2 tie well into the third. Georgii Merkulov’s power-play goal at the 8:27 mark proved to be the difference. Mason Lohrei touched the puck to the bottom of the right circle where Merkulov hit a one-timer past Skarek’s glove.
Oskar Steen capped the scoring with an empty-net goal in the final 19 seconds.
The Islanders went 0-for-5 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill. A chippy evening full of minor penalties included 15 combined infractions between the Atlantic Division rivals.
Bridgeport and Providence meet again Nov. 19th at Total Mortgage Arena.
Next Time Out: The Islanders return to Total Mortgage Arena on Saturday night, facing the Utica Comets at 7 p.m. in the 2023-24 home opener. The celebration begins with Islanders Fan Fest from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Total Mortgage Arena Plaza, located directly outside the main entrance, will host live music from Herman and Company, food trucks, and activities for the whole family. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first 5,000 fans will receive a 2023-24 magnet schedule courtesy of Badaracco Plumbing. Great seats for Saturday’s home opener are on sale now!
The game can be seen live on AHLTV.com or heard via the Bridgeport Islanders Radio Network, beginning with the Connecticut Lottery Pre-Game Countdown at 6:45 p.m.