Sound Tigers Begin December against Bruins, T-Birds
December 1, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL) - Bridgeport Islanders News Release
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-7-2-1), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, begin the month of December this weekend with rivalry matchups against the Providence Bruins (9-8-3-0) and Springfield Thunderbirds (11-6-0-2). The two-game series kicks off tonight with a 7 p.m. matchup against Providence at Webster Bank Arena, before Bridgeport hits the road for a Sunday matinee (3 p.m.) against the T-Birds. The Sound Tigers enter the weekend second in the Atlantic Division with 27 points in 22 games.
THE STORY COMING IN
The Sound Tigers host Providence on "ComiCONN Night" this evening, looking to earn at least one point for the 11th straight game at Webster Bank Arena (8-0-1-1 in last 10). Bridgeport is also attempting to beat the Bruins in regulation for the first time this season. Last time out, the Sound Tigers suffered a 5-2 loss to Springfield on Wednesday, despite 42 shots on goal and 24 saves from Jeremy Smith (5-4-1). Michael Dal Colle and Sebastian Aho each scored an even-strength tally, while Anthony Greco had a hat trick for the T-Birds. Josh Ho-Sang added two assists for Bridgeport.
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ComiCONN NIGHT
Experience the thrill of meeting some of the most famous superheroes, plus read comic books, play video games and more! It's all taking place tonight at Webster Bank Arena! A $25 ticket package is available that includes access to the game, a food voucher valid for one (1) combo of a hot dog, chips and soda/water, and a custom Sound Tigers Superhero Cape! Reserve yours now! Doors open at 6 p.m.
TIGERS VS. BRUINS
Tonight's game marks the fifth of 12 meetings between the Sound Tigers and Bruins this season, and the third of six matchups at Webster Bank Arena. Bridgeport is 2-2-0-0 against the P-Bruins this year after a pair of overtime victories at home Oct. 19 and Nov. 10. In their last tilt on Nov. 10, Travis St. Denis potted the OT winner just 82 seconds into the extra session, while St. Denis, Toews and Chris Bourque all scored once and added an assist. Toews leads Bridgeport against Providence head-to-head this season with four points (one goal, three assists) in four matchups.
VIEW FROM PROVIDENCE
Jay Leach's club has won three consecutive games and has points in five straight (4-0-1-0) for the first time this season. Last night, Providence defeated the AHL's best team with a 2-1 victory against the Charlotte Checkers at Dunkin' Donuts Center. Jordan Szwarz and Peter Cehlarik both scored, and Zane McIntyre made 25 saves for his team-leading sixth win of the year. McIntyre also tied the Bruins' franchise record for most regular-season victories with 67. Providence continues a "three-games-in-three-days" series tonight, which wraps up tomorrow with a rematch against the Checkers.
TIGERS VS. THUNDERBIRDS
Sunday's contest marks the sixth of 10 meetings between the Sound Tigers and Thunderbirds this season, and the third of five at MassMutual Center. It also concludes a stretch of three games in eight days between the division rivals. The series is currently knotted 2-2-0-0, but the Sound Tigers have suffered eight straight regulation losses in Massachusetts (0-8-0-0), including a 5-2 setback last Wednesday. Bridgeport's last win in the "house of horrors" was Mar. 29, 2017 (3-2 victory) - nine visits ago.
VIEW FROM SPRINGFIELD
The Thunderbirds had Friday off just like Bridgeport and will face the Hershey Bears in Pennsylvania tonight before hosting the Sound Tigers on Sunday. Springfield began the season 7-0-0-2 prior to its first trip to Bridgeport on Nov. 3, which resulted in a 5-2 loss. Since then, the club is 4-6-0-0. However, the T-Birds defeated Bridgeport for the eighth consecutive game at MassMutual Center on Wednesday, led by Anthony Greco's hat trick and 40 saves from Samuel Montembeault. It tied a Sound Tigers' franchise record for most consecutive losses in a visiting venue (Hershey, 2007-11). Captain Paul Thompson paces Springfield with 11 goals this year, while Thompson, Harry Zolnierczyk and Henrik Borgstrom are all tied with 18 points.
HO-SANG KEEPS HELPING
Josh Ho-Sang's two-assist night on Wednesday was his team-leading sixth multi-point game this season. It also gives him a team-high 18 helpers this year, which leads all active players in the AHL entering Saturday. Ho-Sang, the Islanders' 28th overall pick in 2014, is already eight assists away from his career high (26, 2016-17) and now leads Bridgeport with 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 22 games this season. However, Ho-Sang does not have a point in four matchups against Providence this year.
AHO-LY MOLY
Sebastian Aho has scored in back-to-back games and is quickly climbing the Sound Tigers' scoring charts. The 22-year-old defenseman has six points in his last five games and earned his second three-point effort of the season last Sunday, which included his first goal of the year. His 14 points are quietly fifth on the club overall, second among team defensemen, and tied for 10th among all AHL blue-liners. Bridgeport is 3-0-0-0 when Aho registers a multi-point game.
GIBSON'S GOOD RUN
Christopher Gibson is 4-0-2 in his last six starts and has a 2.37 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage over his last five games. He made a season-high 32 saves against Hartford last Friday (Nov. 23) and backstopped Sunday's win with a 25-save effort. In addition, Sunday's victory was Gibson's 46th win with Bridgeport in his 99th game with the club. The 2018 AHL All-Star is fourth in both categories (wins and games played) on the Sound Tigers' all-time lists.
QUICK HITS
Devon Toews is tied for fourth among AHL defensemen with 17 points (five goals, 12 assists)... He is also tied for second among all defensemen in power-play points (10)... The Sound Tigers have been involved in 13 one-goal outcomes this season, second-most in the AHL... Bridgeport is 8-2-2-1 when games are decided by a single tally... Travis St. Denis is tied for fourth in the AHL with 15 minor penalties this season... Bridgeport's 26 first-period goals are tied for third-most in the AHL... Chris Bourque is three goals away from tying Keith Aucoin (244, 2001-14) for 47th place on the AHL's all-time goal-scoring list.
AFFILIATE REPORT
NHL: New York Islanders (12-9-3): Next vs. Columbus, Tonight (7 p.m. ET)
ECHL: Worcester Railers (8-10-2-0): Next vs. Maine, Sunday (3:05 p.m. ET)
For additional details or to reserve a group outing for any giveaway or theme night, please call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300 ext 7.
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