Conacher the Lone Scorer for Bridgeport
February 15, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Dustin Gazley and Casey Wellman each scored twice as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers lost to the Hershey Bears 5-1 on Sunday afternoon at Webster Bank Arena.
The Bears took the lead at 2:02 of the second period after a Bridgeport turnover. Leggio attempted to shoot the puck along the boards and out of the zone, but Kris Newberry intercepted it and threw it to the front of the net. A streaking Gazley was able to get his stick on the puck, deflecting it past Leggio and make it 1-0.
The Sound Tigers had an excellent chance to even the score while on the power play, but were denied by Pheonix Copley. Cory Conacher skated down the wing and centered a pass for Harry Zolnierczyk, but Copley was able to slide across the crease and deny the opportunity, preserving the lead.
The Bears would receive a two-man-advantage at 11:27 of the frame, and put it to good use. After a number of passes, Connor Carrick fired a one-timer that Chris Conner deflected in, increasing the lead to a pair.
Hershey would score again a few minutes later on a 2-on-1 rush. After one too many passes in the offensive zone, a Sound Tiger turnover led to an odd man break the other way. Chris Brown rifled a slap shot that Leggio kicked away but it went right to the stick of Gazley, who shot the puck into the gaping cage for his second goal of the game, increasing the lead to three.
The Sound Tigers finally beat Copley at 9:22 of the third period while on the power play. Conacher took the puck out of the corner and stuffed it past Copley's pad, cutting the Hershey lead to 3-1.
The Bears regained their three-goal-lead at 12:21 of the third period. After receiving a pass from Jim O'Brien right behind the Bridgeport net, Wellman snapped a quick shot past Leggio's left shoulder, stunning everyone, to make it 4-1.
Hershey put the game on ice at 17:04 of the period when Wellman scored his second goal of the game. Philippe Cornet got the puck behind the Bridgeport net and fed it out to Wellman, who fired a one-time shot past Leggio for his 16th goal of the season.
Despite a valiant comeback attempt, the Sound Tigers were unable to score again, as the score finished at 5-1.
Copley made 27 saves for the win, including a number of excellent desperation saves. Leggio also made 27 saves in a losing effort.
The Sound Tigers will get their shot at revenge next weekend when they travel to Hershey to take on the Bears on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Notes: It was Kids Free Day at the game, with each adult ticket purchase resulting in a free kid's ticket...Kael Mouillierat and Aaron Ness picked up assists on Conacher's fifth goal of the season...The Sound Tigers have lost a season-high four straight games.
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