AHL Providence Bruins

P-Bruins Defeat Sharks 3-2

Published on January 20, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release


Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins defeated the Worcester Sharks 3-2 this evening at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The P-Bruins had goals from Andrew Bodnarchuk, Yannick Riendeau and Craig Cunningham.

The P-Bruins and Sharks set the tone of the first of a home-and-home series early in the first period. Both clubs dished out big hits and scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. However, solid play from Anton Khudobin kept the Sharks off the board. Providence was able to read Worcester's break out and stalwarted any of their offensive opportunities and the Sharks' frustrations came to a boil at 14:43 giving the P-Bruins the man-advantage. Providence didn't waste the opportunity as they quickly began drilling Worcester goalie Antero Niittymaki with shots. Their work paid off just before the penalty expired when Matt Bartkowski's shot from the point rebounded off the endboard and Bodnarchuk tucked it past Niittymaki at 16:22. The P-Bruins went into the first intermission leading 1-0.

Another careless penalty early in the second period cost Worcester another goal. Bodnarchuk, Cunninham and Riendeau came into the Worcester zone on a 3-on-2. Trying to find Cunningham, Bodnarchuk's pass was deflected to Riendeau who roofed a wrist shot past Niittymaki at 2:53 for his third goal in two games. Worcester battled back, getting a couple of quality scoring opportunities, but Khudobin was solid between the pipes. Frustrations came to a boil at 10:56 when Lane MacDermid dropped the mitts and Tyler Doherty in a heated, but quick decision along the halfwall. Worcester got lucky at 14:15 when a shot from the point was deflected over Khudobin's glove. Ryan Del Monte was credited with the goal. Immediately after the following faceoff, new addition to the P-Bruins, Bobby Robins, continued to show that he isn't afraid to drop the gloves as he squared off with Matt Pelech. Strong play from Providence's defense and Khudobin kept the Sharks off the board and the P-Bruins went into the second intermission leading 2-1.

Providence struck early in the third period to extend their lead to 3-1. Craig Cunningham collected Bodnarchuk's shot and came around the low circle to beat Niittymaki top-shelf for his eighth goal of the season at 3:28. Colby Cohen also assisted on the play. Worcester was finally able to get on the board at 8:28 when Khudobin made the initial save on Mike Connolly's shot and Marek Viedensky collected the rebound to bring the Sharks within one. Providence didn't let up and continued to crash Niittymaki's net. Riendeau had another quality opportunity on the breakaway in the last two minutes of the game, but had the puck knocked away. Providence was able to hold on to the lead to take the 3-2 win.

Khudobin's 28 saves earned him the win, while Niittymaki came up short with 23 saves, suffering the loss.

The P-Bruins travel to Worcester on Saturday before returning to The Dunk on Sunday to square off with Springfield. The puck drops at 4:05 p.m. for "Stadium Cup Night," which are free to the first 1,000 fans. To purchase our special ticket offers or for more information, call the Providence Bruins ticket office at (401) 273-5000 or log on to the team website at www.providencebruins.com .

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American Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2012


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