AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Bridgeport Wins Second OT Game in As Many Nights

February 7, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Chris Langkow tallied 4:04 into the overtime period, as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers won their second straight in the extra frame, downing the Hartford Wolf Pack 3-2 on Saturday night at Webster Bank Arena.

The game started out quickly, with both teams getting excellent scoring chances. The Wolf Pack received their great chance on a 2-on-1 about three minutes into the game, but Bridgeport goaltender Kevin Poulin was able to stretch across the crease and make an outstanding save. The Sound Tigers had their chance when Cory Conacher outraced the Hartford defense with the teams skating 4-on-4, but this time it was Hartford goaltender Yann Danis that made the brilliant save.

The Sound Tigers struck first on the power play when defenseman Scooter Vaughan rifled a one-time-shot past Danis. The play was a result of good puck movement and pressure from Bridgeport, as well as a nice pass from Captain Aaron Ness. The goal was Vaughan's ninth of the season and it was all of the scoring that would take place before the intermission.

The second period started out significantly slower than the first, with good defensive play by both teams resulting in a dearth of good opportunities. The best chance came with about 11 minutes left in the period, as Haggerty streaked into the Bridgeport zone and made a nice move before shooting. Poulin didn't fall for the dekes, however, and the score remained 1-0.

The Sound Tigers would add to their lead with 30 seconds left in the period as Harry Zolnierczyk scored his 14th of the season off of a nice feed from C.J. Stretch. Stretch was able to skate by a few of the Hartford defenders before dumping the puck off the Zolnierczyk who, despite fanning on his shot, got just enough on it to beat Danis. The frame would end with the Sound Tigers up a pair thanks to superb goaltending from Poulin. There was a brawl to end the period, but nobody ended up being penalized.

The third period began with a snarl as Bridgeport's Justin Courtnall laid a heavy hit on Hartford's Mat Bodie into the boards, but no penalty would end up being called on the play. The physicality continued to escalate when Bridgeport's Kael Moullierat and Hartford's Chris Mueller were given matching roughing minors after both teams gathered at center ice and punches were thrown.

The Wolf Pack spoiled Poulin's shutout bid at 4:49 of the third period when Danny Kristo buried a juicy rebound caused by a hard Marek Hrivik shot. Hrivik was able to waltz his way into the Bridgeport zone and fire a powerful shot that Poulin was unable to cover, resulting in the score. The goal was Kristo's 13th of the season.

The play would shift back-and-forth for the remainder of the period until Conor Allen scored to equalizer for the Wolf Pack off a net mouth scramble. After Hartford kept the Sound Tigers pinned deep in their zone for an extended period of time, the Bridgeport defense broke down, allowing Allen to fire a wicked wrist shot just under the crossbar with just under two minutes remaining. The goal was Allen's eighth of the year.

The Sound Tigers had a chance to walk off with the victory when Colin McDonald streaked down the right wing and fired a heavy slap shot at the Hartford cage, but Danis was able to make the stop, preserving the tie and sending the game to overtime.

The Wolf Pack controlled play for the majority of overtime, but it would be Langkow who got the game-winner. Griffin Reinhart skated down the ice and fired a shot that Danis had trouble controlling, and Langkow knocked the puck in from the goal line to end the game.

Poulin was strong in net, making 36 saves. Danis made 16 saves in a losing effort.

The Sound Tigers return to action tomorrow, February 8, when they host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for Brett Gallant Bobblehead Day. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m.

Notes: It was AAA Night, with members receiving discounted admission...Both teams' power play units were uneffective, with both clubs combining to go 1-for-8 with the man advantage...Both teams played a relatively disciplined game, with each receiving 12 penalty minutes.

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