Providence Blanked to End Win Streak
February 21, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release
WILKES-BARRE, P.A. - The Providence Bruins were blanked for the fourth time this season in a 2-0 defeat to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Jeremy Smith allowed only one goal for his third game in a row, but the offense was unable to muster anything against Matt Murray.
In the first period, Jared Knight had a breakaway bid blocked from the side for the only high-quality scoring chance the visitors had in the frame. Halfway through the period, the Penguins put a barrage of shots on Smith, but were unable to light the lamp.
The teams almost also played to a scoreless second period. The P-Bruins had a chance in front, which drew a penalty as Murray was trying to make the save. At the end of the ensuing power play, the home goalie Murray made a diving kick save as Andrew Cherniwchan ripped one from the slot.
With 6:30 left in the frame, Penguins captain Tom Kostopolous fell, controlled the puck while skidding on the ice, and found Scott Wilson at the top of the slot. Wilson's power play strike came with only :09 remaining on a five-minute Wilkes-Barre power play.
In the final period, the P-Bruins outshot the Penguins 9-6, but Smith still had to make a couple of big saves to keep it a one-goal contest. Cory Kane had a chance turned away from the right side, and the PA squad was forced to ice the puck. Later, Alexander Khokhlachev had a chance on an extended rush, but his pass was tipped away from Seth Griffith on a diving block Tom Kuhnhackl.
(The Bruins have learned the hard way in the past couple of seasons that Wilkes-Barre has a penchant for blocking passes and shots from high-quality scoring areas, and Saturday was no different.)
With 1:19 to go Butch Cassidy called a timeout, and his goalie was pulled shortly after. However, the Penguins sealed the victory with an empty-netter at 19:29, courtesy of Conor Sheary.
With the win, the Pens kept the Bruins beneath them in the Eastern Conference standings. With one game in hand, Wilkes-Barre is now three points up on Providence for the sixth playoff spot. The teams end the season series tied at two points apiece.
The road trip continues for the P-Bruins with a Sunday game in Hershey against the Bears at 5:00pm.
PROVIDENCE GOALTENDING:
#30 Jeremy Smith (18 saves on 19 shots)
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2015
- Rampage Fall in Final Minute of Overtime 3-2 - San Antonio Rampage
- Admirals Topped by Wild - Milwaukee Admirals
- Bridgeport drops crazy game in Hershey - Bridgeport Islanders
- Rockford Responds for Weekend Split in Cleveland - Rockford IceHogs
- Cannone's Heroics Guide Wolves to Victory - Chicago Wolves
- Phantoms Secure Point in Exciting Overtime Battle vs. Hartford - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Barons Fall to Adirondack, 3-1 - Oklahoma City Barons
- Mrazek's Shutout Gives Griffins Share of First Place - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Crunch Scrap for 5-3 Win over Sens - Syracuse Crunch
- Pirates Fly Away with Road Win against Falcons - Portland Pirates
- Wild Doubles up Admirals 4-2 - Iowa Wild
- Lindberg the OT Hero again in Pack's 5-4 Victory - Hartford Wolf Pack
- Penguins Blank Bruins to Close out Homestand - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Miller Lifts Monarchs to 3-2 Win in OT - Manchester Monarchs
- Monsters Fall to Rockford 3-2 - Cleveland Monsters
- Bears Battle Past Sound Tigers - Hershey Bears
- Devils Complete Sweep of Comets with 2-1 Win - Albany Devils
- Sharks Top Admirals 4-3 in Second Straight Win against Norfolk - Worcester Sharks
- IceCaps Drop 3-2 OT Decision to Monarchs - St. John's IceCaps
- Falcons Fall to Pirates, 3-2 - Springfield Falcons
- Worcester Sweeps Weekend Series with 4-3 Win over Norfolk - Norfolk Admirals
- Comets Can't Solve the Devils - Utica Comets
- Sens Fall 5-2 in Syracuse - Binghamton Senators
- Griffins Blank Bulldogs 2-0 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Providence Blanked to End Win Streak - Providence Bruins
- Dallas Stars Reassign Ranford to Texas - Texas Stars
- Canucks Recall Nicklas Jensen from the Comets - Utica Comets
- Marlies Downed by Stars 3-1 - Toronto Marlies
- Stars Stay Hot with 3-1 Win over Toronto - Texas Stars
- Springfield Falcons Pink in the Rink Jerseys Available for Auction - Springfield Falcons
- Comets Game Tonight vs. Devils Sold Out - Utica Comets
- Springfield Falcons to Participate in Celebrity Bartending Event for Change Heroes Campaign - Springfield Falcons
- Coyotes Assign Bolduc to Portland - Portland Pirates
- Ruopp Assigned to Wheeling by Penguins - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- 'Canes Recall Michal Jordan from Charlotte - Charlotte Checkers
- Capitals Recall Cameron Schilling from Hershey - Hershey Bears
- Monsters Get Late Tally to Beat Hogs - Rockford IceHogs
- Monsters Get Late Tally to Beat Hogs - Rockford IceHogs
- Barons Set AHL Record with 12th OT Win - Oklahoma City Barons
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
