AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Bailey, Ho-Sang each score in setback on Friday

Published on March 16, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


HERSHEY, Penn. - Josh Ho-Sang recorded his sixth multi-point game of the season (one goal, one assist) and Casey Bailey scored his seventh power-play tally on Friday as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (31-24-5-3), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, suffered a 3-2 loss to the Hershey Bears (26-29-4-5) at Giant Center.

Anthony Peluso gave Hershey its first and only lead in the final five minutes, while Kristers Gudlevskis (11-12-5) stopped 23 of 26 shots. The setback keeps Bridgeport five points behind the fourth-place Charlotte Checkers for the Atlantic Division's final playoff spot. The Sound Tigers have one game in hand with 13 contests left in the regular season.

Following a scoreless opening period, Bailey broke the deadlock at 8:30 of the middle frame while on the man advantage. Tyler Lewington was given a double minor for unsportsmanlike conduct and roughing after getting crosschecked by Scott Eansor, and Bailey converted just 12 seconds later to give Bridgeport a 1-0 lead. Ho-Sang filtered a cross-ice pass from the right wing to the left circle, where Bailey slapped a one-time shot past Pheonix Copley's blocker. It was Bailey's 15th goal of the season overall.

Hampus Gustafsson drew Hershey back even with his first AHL goal at the 15:49 mark. He and Zach Sill grinded away below the goal line and forced the puck to the doorstep where Gustafsson jammed it home to make it 1-1.

The Sound Tigers answered 56 seconds later when Ho-Sang deked Copley at the doorstep to regain the lead. Kellen Jones created the opportunity with a stretch pass to Ho-Sang behind Hershey's defense, which led to a partial breakaway over the blue line. Ho-Sang held off Lucas Johansen and charged towards the crease before slamming on the breaks just ahead of it. He forced Copley to bite and Ho-Sang tucked a shot around the goaltender's left toe at 16:45.

Liam O'Brien made it 2-2 early in the third period when redirected his 15th goal of the season from the low slot. Wayne Simpson found Madison Bowey at the blue line and the defenseman guided a shot on target that O'Brien tipped past Gudlevskis at the 3:26 mark.

Peluso capped the scoring at 15:18 with his first goal since Jan. 17, which helped the Bears snapped their two-game losing streak. The veteran forward received Gustafsson's pass and skated to the right circle before placing a wrist shot past Gudlevskis' blocker and inside the far post. It was Peluso's fourth goal of the season.

The Sound Tigers went 1-for-5 on the power play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. Bridgeport also outshot Hershey 28-26, while Copley (14-15-6) made 26 saves in the win.

Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers return to action on Sunday and continue a four-game road trip with a 3:05 p.m. puck drop against the Providence Bruins at Dunkin' Donuts Center. Fans can follow all of the live action on the Sound Tigers Radio Network and AHL Live, beginning with the pre-game show at 2:45 p.m.

Don't Go It Alone: Whether it's a corporate outing, a fundraiser, or just friends getting together, a group outing with the Sound Tigers will guarantee an unforgettable experience filled with fast-paced action on the ice, great music, promotions and contests at an affordable price. The Sound Tigers have a variety of packages and promotional events to offer. Please call the team's front office at 203-345-2300 ext. 7 for more information on the benefits of bringing your group to a future game!

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American Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2018


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