AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Rise and Shine: Sound Tigers Battle Devils this Morning

November 2, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


RISE AND SHINE: SOUND TIGERS BATTLE DEVILS THIS MORNING

Bridgeport battles Albany for the first time this season at 11 a.m.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers

DATE OPPONENT TIME BROADCAST

Nov. 2 vs. Albany 11 a.m. AHLlive.com

THE STORY COMING IN

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers conclude a three-game homestand this morning with an 11 a.m. puck drop against the Albany Devils at Webster Bank Arena. The Sound Tigers enter today's game following a 2-0 loss to Springfield on Sunday, in which Thunderbirds' netminder Reto Berra stopped all 28 shots he faced. On the flip side, Sound Tigers goaltender Stephon Williams made 26 saves on 27 shots, but suffered his third straight setback. Bridgeport has not lost back-to-back games yet this season.

SEASON SERIES

Today's game marks the first of six meetings between the Sound Tigers and Devils this season, and the first of three matchups at Webster Bank Arena. Bridgeport went 3-4-1-0 against Albany last year including a 2-2-0-0 record on home ice.

VIEW FROM ALBANY

The Devils begin a short two-game road trip today with their first visit to Webster Bank Arena since March. Albany began the season 5-0-0-0 until a pair of losses to Wilkes/Barre-Scranton and Toronto last week. However, the Devils earned a shootout victory in their last outing on Saturday with a 4-3 decision against the Marlies. Rookie center John Quenneville continued his early success with his team-leading fourth goal of the season, while Ben Sexton forced overtime with his second of the year in the third period. Quenneville was the only one to score in a three-round shootout. He is the older brother of Islanders prospect David Quenneville and the nephew of Islanders' defenseman Johnny Boychuk.

GIBSON STAYS PERFECT

Fourth-year netminder Chris Gibson has allowed just eight goals through his first four starts, helping him to a 4-0-0-0 record to begin the year - tied for second among AHL goaltenders. In fact, Gibson has won six straight regular-season games dating back to March 29th (6-0-0-0), with a 2.00 goals-against-average and .935 save percentage during that span. The 23-year-old is tied for eighth on Bridgeport's all-time wins list with 23 career victories, even with Mike Morrison (2007-08).

RISE AND SHINE

Today's game is one of only three this season that will begin before noon. Bridgeport will face Toronto on the road March 2nd (11 a.m.) and Springfield at home April 4th (11 a.m.). Last season, the Sound Tigers went 1-1-0-0 in morning games including a 5-2 victory over Providence in their latest on March 29, 2016. Chris Gibson earned the win with 31 saves that morning, while the Sound Tigers put up an impressive 46 shots offensively.

TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD

Veteran center Bracken Kearns has earned multiple points in three of his last five games and leads the Sound Tigers in goals (4), points (8) and multi-point games (3) this season. The 12th-year pro paced the team in each of those categories last season, along with assists and plus-minus. He is expected to play his 600th AHL game on Friday at Hartford. He currently has 352 points (143g, 209a) to his credit in the AHL with Cleveland, Milwaukee, Rockford, Norfolk, San Antonio, Worcester and Bridgeport.

QUICK HITS

Adam Pelech will make his 100th AHL appearance today... Andrew Rowe is one helper away from his 150th professional assist... Two of Michael Dal Colle's three pro goals have stood as game-winners... Scott Mayfield leads the Sound Tigers with 20 shots, but is still looking for his first goal of the season... Bridgeport has not been outshot in each of its last five outings... The Sound Tigers are 2-0-0-0 following a loss this season... Today's game is Bridgeport's first outside of the Atlantic Division.

AFFILIATE REPORT

NHL: New York Islanders (4-6-0-0): Next vs. Philadelphia - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET

ECHL: Missouri Mavericks (2-5-0-0): Next @ Tulsa - Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET

Harvest Fest: Celebrate the changing seasons this Saturday when the Sound Tigers host Harvest Fest presented by Obey the Orange. Enjoy pumpkin decorating in the Webster Bank Arena atrium, along with arts and crafts all game long, as the Sound Tigers battle the Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins at 7 p.m. Fans are also encouraged to call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300 to find out how kids 12 and younger can get in free.

Hockey and Hops: The Sound Tigers are combining hockey and hops on Saturday, November 25th when the team battles Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at 7 p.m. Try the area's best craft beers before the game with a special ticket package that night only. Get access to the game, the pre-game beer tasting party and a souvenir Sound Tigers beer tasting glass for just $25.

For additional details or to reserve seats for any of the 2016-17 giveaway and theme nights, please call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300.

Executive suites and premium seat packages are also available by calling the team's front office at (203) 345-4841. If you are interested in group outings with your friends, family, co-workers, or clients an unforgettable experience at a discounted rate, call the group sales hotline at (203) 345-2300 Ext. 7.

About the Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com . Keep up with the latest Sound Tigers news on Facebook and on Twitter . For more team information, log on to soundtigers.com .

Check out the Bridgeport Islanders Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from November 2, 2016


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