Bridgeport drops final contest with Providence
March 21, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Aaron Ness and Dustin Jeffrey both scored, but the Bridgeport Sound Tigers fell to the Providence Bruins 3-2 on Saturday night at Webster Bank Arena.
The game started out quickly, with both teams getting quality chances. While it was the Bruins that carried the play early on, Bridgeport goaltender Kevin Poulin shut the door on a variety of good scoring opportunities, keeping the contest scoreless. Despite Providence getting a pair of early power play opportunities, the Sound Tigers were able to prevent their opponents from scoring, thanks to strong defensive play and great goaltending from Poulin.
The first period ended with neither team able to break the shutout, though the Sound Tigers did have a few good chances on Providence goaltender Jeremy Smith.
The Bruins struck first early in the second period. A fine passing play between Rob Flick and Andrew Cherniwchan resulted in Flick having an empty net, which he buried the puck into. The goal was Flick's 13th of the season.
The Bruins scored again, just 35 seconds later, as Zack Phillips wired a snapshot past Poulin. The tally was Phillips' ninth of the season.
The Sound Tigers nearly got one back, as Dustin Jeffrey went on a short-handed breakaway with just over 13 minutes left in the second frame. However, Smith was up to the challenge, denying Jeffrey thanks in part to an excellent backcheck by the Bruins' defense.
Bridgeport pulled within one with just over 10 minutes remaining in the second period. Captain Aaron Ness scored a power play goal when a Ryan Pulock slapshot went wide of the net, deflecting onto Ness' stick and providing him with an excellent opportunity to score. The goal was Ness' seventh on the year.
The Sound Tigers, inspired by the goal, issued a series of bone-crushing hits to the Bruins, imposing their will with ease. However, they were unable to capitalize on the momentum, giving up a number of scoring opportunities soon after the tally
The squads exchanged power play opportunities, both getting fine chances to score. However, both teams' defenses were up to the task, keeping the score 2-1.
The second period ended with the Sound Tigers dominating the play, keeping Providence hemmed in their defensive zone. However, Bridgeport was unable to score, allowing the score to remain the same.
The Sound Tigers got an excellent chance to tie the game up early on in the third period, as Providence's Tommy Cross was in the penalty box for roughing. Bridgeport was unsuccessful on the man-advantage, though, proving unable to score the equalizer.
The Bruins were finally able to break through at 14:30 of the third period. Ethan Werek was able to deflect a Linus Arnesson shot into Poulin's five-hole, putting Providence up by two.
The Sound Tigers struck right back, scoring just 1:14 later. Jeffrey finished up a pretty passing play from Adam Pelech, burying the puck on a one-timer for his 21st of the season.
The Sound Tigers pulled Poulin with 1:17 left in the third period in an attempt to tie the game. They nearly succeeded with just over a minute remaining in the game, but were unable to stuff the puck past Smith. The comeback attempt would fall short, with Bridgeport dropping the contest 3-2.
Smith made 32 saves for the victory. Poulin made 29 stops in the losing effort.
The Sound Tigers return to action tomorrow afternoon when they take on the Binghamton Senators. Game time is at 3:00 p.m.
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