Sound Tigers Fall in Syracuse, 5-1
Nov 1, 2019The Bridgeport Islanders (1-6-2-1), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 5-1 loss to the Syracuse Crunch (4-2-2-0) on Friday night at the Onondaga County War Memorial Arena.
Travis St. Denis scored Bridgeport’s lone goal early in the second period, but Mitchell Stephens had two for Syracuse and three others found the back of the net, extending the Sound Tigers’ winless streak to seven games (0-5-1-1).
Following a scoreless opening period, the Crunch struck first at 4:06 of the middle frame when Stephens finished off a rebound for his first goal of the year. Boris Katchouk carried the puck down the left wing and wristed a shot on target that Jared Coreau kicked back but couldn’t cover. Instead, an uncontested Stephens guided home the second effort to make it 1-0.
The lead was short-lived though, as St. Denis answered just 25 seconds later with his first of the season. Nic Pierog (in his Sound Tigers debut) and Nick Schilkey teamed up in the offensive zone to create room for St. Denis in front. Schilkey took over below the goal line and directed a perfect pass to the slot where St. Denis netted the equalizer at 4:31.
Daniel Walcott put Syracuse back on top with the eventual game-winner at 18:27 of the second period, scoring his first goal in three games this season. Otto Somppi gathered the puck behind the net and steered a backhand centering feed to the doorstep where Walcott’s one-timer beat the glove of Coreau.
Needing a third-period comeback, the Sound Tigers instead saw the wheels come off early in the frame when Syracuse scored three times in a span of 57 seconds to pull away 5-1. Nolan Valleau went bar down with a wrist shot from the left circle at the 1:12 mark before the Crunch added two more from Somppi and Stephens. Somppi’s second of the year at the 2:04 mark came on a rush down the right wing before he banked a backhand shot off Coreau’s pad and in. About five seconds later, Stephens sprung onto Ross Colton’s faceoff win and darted at the net before beating backup goalie Jakub Skarek, who had just replaced Coreau.
Bridgeport finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. Coreau (0-5-1) made 23 saves on 27 shots in 42:02, while Skarek (no decision) stopped one of two shots he faced. Wedgewood (2-1-1) turned back 15 of the 16 shots he was challenged with.
The Crunch outshot the Sound Tigers 29-16.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena tomorrow night to continue their three-in-three weekend series. Bridgeport hosts the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7 p.m. for Scout Night, featuring a free ticket for all scouts (boys or girls) by contacting John Reis at 203-345-4848 or john.reis@harboryardse.com. 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. Tickets are on sale now!
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.
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.