Sound Tigers Silenced in Game 2 Loss
Apr 20, 2019The Bridgeport Islanders, proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, fired 39 shots on goal Saturday night, but were silenced in Game 2 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals by the Hershey Bears at Webster Bank Arena.
Vitek Vanecek (1-0) was lights out for the visitors en route to his first career blank sheet in the Calder Cup Playoffs - a 2-0 victory. Jeremy Smith (0-1) made 32 saves on 34 shots for the Sound Tigers in front of 5,002 fans.
Hershey received goals from Mike Sgarbossa and Riley Barber, while Matt Lorito launched a game-high seven shots on goal and hit the post once.
The best-of-five series is knotted at 1-1 and shifts to Pennsylvania for Game 3 on Tuesday night.
The Bears scored first for the second consecutive night, when Sgarbossa redirected home his first goal of the postseason at 11:15 of the opening frame. With heavy traffic in front of the net, Lucas Johansen received a pass on the left wing and sailed a wrist shot towards the crease that Sgarbossa deflected in from the back post to make it 1-0.
Despite being outshot 13-12 in the first period, the Sound Tigers logged their fair share of scoring chances. Lorito nicked the crossbar at the tail end of a busy shift alongside linemates Oliver Wahlstrom and Kieffer Bellows at 12:55. Later, Otto Koivula and Connor Jones both created high-percentage chances, but Vanecek met each shot with a pad save – two of his 12 saves in period.
Barber extended Hershey’s lead to 2-0 nearly four minutes into the second period. Sgarbossa and Barber entered the zone on a 2-on-1 rush, before Barber finished the attack with a slick forehand-to-backhand move on a partial breakaway for his first of the playoffs. He led Hershey with a career-high 31 goals during the regular season.
The Sound Tigers made a push to even the game in the third period, mustering 18 shots to Hershey’s eight. They almost converted at the 13:06 mark when Vanecek carelessly left his crease to play the puck, and Kubiak’s shot was denied by a body in front.
While the Sound Tigers were unable to find twine, Smith continued to hold down the fort, denying Steve Whitney’s breakaway attempt at 7:22 of the third.
The Sound Tigers finished the night 3-for-3 on the penalty kill, 0-for-5 on the power play, and outshoot the Bears 39-34. Bridgeport’s penalty kill is 8-for-8 in the series.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers head to Hershey on Tuesday for Game 3 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals at Giant Center. The puck drops at 7 p.m. and fans can 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.
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, please call our office at (203) 345-2300, visit www.soundtigers.com, or e-mail info@soundtigers.com.