IceCaps Outlast Sound Tigers in Shootout
October 25, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
St. John's IceCaps News Release
The St. John's IceCaps saved all their good stuff for the shootout as they topped the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2-1 at Mile One Centre on Saturday night.
Brenden Kichton notched the winner in the ninth round of a goal-heavy shootout and rookie goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 37 saves in regulation to help give St. John's points in three consecutive games.
After a pair of scoreless periods to open the game, both teams got their offence going in a hurry just over seven minutes into the third period.
The IceCaps struck first with 13:17 remaining in the game. JC Lipon was streaking into the Bridgeport zone with some speed down the right wing and placed a perfect tape-to-tape pass to a wide-open Chase Balisy who had a tap-in for his second goal of the year and sixth point in his last three games.
The lead, however, was short lived. Just over a minute later, the Sound Tigers' Jesse Graham parked in front of the net and took a pass from teammate Alan Quine from behind the net and snapped a shot behind Hellebuyck, snapping his shutout at 8:01.
Hellebuyck turned in the best performance of his professional career on Saturday night and kept his team alive late in the game, making a combined 20 saves in the third period and overtime.
Despite a strong game by Hellebuyck and his Bridgeport counterpart Kevin Poulin, it was the scorers who took over in the shootout, as eight consecutive goals were scored between the two teams between the fourth and seventh rounds.
John Albert, Chase Balisy, Patrick Holland, Austen Brassard, Ben Walker and Kichton scored in the shootout for the IceCaps.
After Kichton scored to give St. John's the edge, Hellebuyck came up with a big save on Mike Halmo in the ninth round to seal the win.
The IceCaps will play the final contest of their current six-game homestand Sunday in a rematch against the Sound Tigers. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Catch all the action with broadcaster Brian Rogers at www.stjohnicecaps.com and 930AM, or watch live on Rogers TV and AHL Live. Pregame show gets underway at 3:30.
Notes: Not dressed for St. John's: Jason Jaffray, Jordan Hill, Kyle MacKinnon, Nicolas Blanchard, Julien Brouillette, Eric O'Dell, Patrice Cormier ... The IceCaps played the game with 17 skaters, one below the maximum... St. John's rookie Chase Balisy now has six points (2G, 4A) in his last three games... St. John's outshot Bridgeport 40-38... Before the game, forward Patrice Cormier was recalled by the Winnipeg Jets (NHL)... The IceCaps finished the game 6-for-6 on the penalty kill and 0-for-3 on the power play... Molson Canadian Three Stars: 1. Connor Hellebuyck 2. Brenden Kichton 3. Kevin Poulin ... Mary Brown's Hardest Working Player: Ben Walker.
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