Sound Tigers Drop Weekend Opener to Bruins
Nov 22, 2019The Bridgeport Islanders (4-11-3-1), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, fell to the Providence Bruins (10-7-0-2) in a 5-0 final on Friday night at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Providence goaltender Max Lagace stopped 17 shots for his league-leading fourth shutout of the season, while the Sound Tigers’ offense came up empty for the second straight game. Brendan Gaunce had three points for Providence (2g, 1a) and two of the Bruins’ goals came shorthanded.
It was Bridgeport’s third straight setback.
The Bruins scored three times in the opening 20 minutes to build a substantial lead that the Sound Tigers couldn’t overcome. Gaunce netted the eventual game-winner just 3:05 into the contest with a power-play goal for his fifth of the season. With Kyle Burroughs in the box for slashing, Alex Petrovic ripped a shot from the blue line that Christopher Gibson knocked down, but Gaunce jammed home the rebound from the crease to make it 1-0.
Ryan Fitzgerald’s sixth of the season made it 2-0 at the 13:19 mark, beating Gibson glove side with a wrist shot from the right circle. Less than six minutes later, Gaunce finished a sequence of tic-tac-toe passes at the left post for his sixth goal of the season. He also had the primary assist on Fitzgerald’s goal, giving him a three-point period. Gibson was replaced by Jared Coreau during the first intermission.
Trent Frederic and Jack Studnicka each added a shorthanded goal in the back-half of the middle frame to put the contest away. Frederic crashed the net on an odd-man rush at the 12:41 mark, connecting on Jakub Lauko’s centering feed, while Studnicka finished off a centering pass from Lauko at 19:34 to solve Coreau.
Providence outshot Bridgeport 10-7 in the third period, but neither team found the back of the cage. The game included one fight when Seth Helgeson and Trent Frederic dropped the gloves early in the second period after Frederic tagged Oliver Wahlstrom with a hard hit at the red line.
Bridgeport finished the game 0-for-2 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.
Gibson (3-3-3) made 10 saves on 13 shots in 20 minutes of work, while Coreau stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced in 40 minutes of a no decision.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena tomorrow night for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Hershey Bears. Tickets are on sale now! Fans can also follow all of the live action via the Sound Tigers Radio Network and AHLTV, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.
Sound Tigers season tickets and flex plans are on sale now for the 2019-20 campaign, offering the greatest savings and ultimate flexibility of all ticket packages. Pick between a full-season, 20-game, or 10-game plan and you'll also be entitled to exclusive benefits, including the ticket holder exchange policy. Lock in your seats today by contacting Brad Dworin at 203-345-4813 or via brad.dworin@harboryardse.com.
About the Bridgeport Islanders
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Islanders Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com. Follow the action all season long via www.soundtigers.com or by “liking” the Sound Tigers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.