AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Poulin Backstops Sound Tigers to 3-1 Win Over Devils

Published on December 3, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Dec. 3, 2011) - Kevin Poulin stopped 35 of 36 shots and Casey Cizikas scored the game-winning goal with 6:27 left in regulation as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers defeated the Albany Devils 3-1 at Webster Bank Arena on Saturday night. The win gives the Sound Tigers a split of the home-and-home series with Albany as they improve to 11-8-3-1. The Devils fall to 11-8-2-1.

After a wild first period in Albany last night where both teams combined for five goals, neither side was able to generate much offense in tonight's opening frame. Each squad had three power play chances in the first period, but Poulin and Albany goaltender Jeff Frazee were perfect in net as the two sides went to their respective locker rooms scoreless after twenty minutes.

Tyler McNeely gave the Sound Tigers a 1-0 lead earl in the second period. Rhett Rakhshani forced Chad Wiseman to turn the puck over in front of the Albany net, McNeely grabbed the loose puck and snapped it over Frazee's blocker for his second goal of the season as the Sound Tigers led 1-0 1:06 into the middle frame.

Bridgeport held that lead until the 5:50 mark of the third period when Albany drew even. The Sound Tigers were unable to clear their zone by their blue line, giving the Devils a quick odd=2Dman opportunity. Chad Wiseman held the puck in the left circle and fired short side past Poulin for his second goal of the year to tie the score at one.

Cizikas' fifth goal of the year proved to be the game-winner, as the rookie centerman camped in front of Frazee and put home a rebound from Matt Donovan's blue-line blast to give the Sound Tigers a lead they would not relinquish. Rhett Rakhshani added an empty-net, power play goal with 27.6 left in regulation to seal the win for the Sound Tigers.

Kevin Poulin made 35 saves to earn his sixth win of the season. Jeff Frazee stopped 17 shots in the losing effort. The Sound Tigers third-ranked penalty kill went a perfect 7-for-7 after allowing two goals on Friday night.

The Sound Tigers return to action tomorrow afternoon when they host the Hershey Bears on Teddy Bear Toss Day at 3:00 p.m. All fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used teddy bear or stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Sound Tigers score their first goal. The bears and stuffed animals will be donated by Sound Tigers players to various local hospitals and charitable organizations during the upcoming holiday season.

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