Sound Tigers Suffer 5-0 Loss To Rochester
Mar 8, 2019The Bridgeport Islanders (35-19-5-2), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, saw their seven-game win streak come to an end on Friday in a 5-0 loss to the Rochester Americans (36-18-3-2) at Blue Cross Arena.
Americans goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves for his fourth shutout this season (third in the AHL), while the Sound Tigers were blanked for just the second time all year. It was Bridgeport’s first regulation loss since Feb. 8 against Providence and ended its season series with Rochester winless (0-2-1-1).
The Amerks took command early and carried a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Kevin Porter struck first with the eventual game-winner at the 7:08 mark when he received a centering pass from C.J. Smith and rifled home a one-timer for his eighth goal of the season. Smith set it up by charging down the right wing and guiding a pass out front from the extended goal line.
Less than two minutes later, Alexander Nylander made it 2-0 with another one-time goal for his third tally in as many games. Andrew Oglevie forced a pass from the right wing to the slot, where Nylander zipped it past Jeremy Smith’s blocker for his 11th of the season.
Rochester continued to pour it on in the middle frame with two goals 49 seconds apart to make it 4-0. Rasmus Asplund scored his first of two on the night with the game’s only power-play goal just 19 seconds in, following a tripping penalty to John Stevens that carried over from the first. Wayne Simpson advanced a pass in the neutral zone and Asplund skated onto it before banking a shot off the far post and in.
Shortly thereafter, Oglevie swooped in behind Bridgeport’s defense and elevated a shot over Smith from the doorstep following a pass from Porter. It ended Smith’s night, as he was pulled from the crease and replaced by Mitch Gillam, who made his AHL debut after he was recalled from the Worcester Railers (ECHL) on Thursday.
Asplund capped the scoring at 11:54 of the third period when he forced home his fifth goal of the season following Danny O’Regan’s end-to-end rush. It was the only tally Gillam allowed, finishing his debut with 17 saves on 18 shots in 38:52 of a no-decision.
Smith (16-10-4) made 17 saves on 21 shots in 21:08.
The Sound Tigers finished the game 0-fo-4 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill, while Rochester led in shots, 39-27. It was a season-high in shots against for Bridgeport. Josh Ho-Sang did not play on Friday after he was returned on loan by the New York Islanders earlier in the afternoon.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers continue their five-game road trip on Sunday with a 4 p.m. matchup against the Toronto Marlies at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The first meeting of the season between the Sound Tigers and Marlies will air across the Sound Tigers Radio Network, and may be viewed live via NHL Network and AHLTV. Pre-game coverage will begin at 3:45 p.m.
Hockey and Hops 2: The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena on Sunday, Mar. 17 for a 5 p.m. puck drop against the Springfield Thunderbirds. It’s “Hockey and Hops 2,” featuring another pre-game craft beer tasting event starting at 2:30 p.m. For just $25, get access to the beer tasting, plus a special Sound Tigers tasting glass, a ticket to the game, and a souvenir hockey stick bottle opener. Packages are only available by CLICKING HERE or by calling the Sound Tigers group sales line in advance (203-345-2300 ext. 7).
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.