Sound Tigers Clash with the Phantoms Tonight
December 14, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
ALLENTOWN, Penn. - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (16-8-0-0) have won eight of their last 11 games and sit fourth in the Atlantic Division heading into tonight's matchup against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (17-7-1-0) at the PPL Center. Despite the team's early-season success, the Sound Tigers have not won in regulation in each of their last three games, including a 4-1 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Sunday. Kane Lafranchise scored Bridgeport's only goal and Jesse Graham extended his point streak to a season-best four games (four assists) that evening. The Sound Tigers have not lost back-to-back games yet this season. The club is 8-0-0-0 following a setback.
SEASON SERIES
Tonight's game marks the fifth of eight meetings between the Sound Tigers and Phantoms this season, and the second of four matchups in Allentown, Penn. Bridgeport leads the series 3-1-0-0 but is coming off a 3-2 loss on Dec. 4th at Webster Bank Arena. Forward Danick Martel notched the game-winner for the Phantoms at 7:40 of the third period, while Travis St. Denis and Bracken Kearns both scored for the Sound Tigers. Kearns currently leads Bridgeport with six points (three goals, three assists) in four games against the Phantoms this season. The Sound Tigers earned a 5-2 victory in the first tilt at the PPL Center on Oct. 21st.
VIEW FROM ALLENTOWN
The Phantoms have consistently been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference through the first half of the season. Lehigh Valley has won four of its last five games, including a 4-2 victory against the Rochester Americans in their last outing on Saturday. Jordan Weal scored his 10th goal of the season and team-best 26th point that evening, while Alex Lyon made 25 saves in net. Lyon is now tied for third among AHL goaltenders with 10 wins this season and Weal is tied for fifth in the league's scoring race. In addition, defenseman T.J. Brennan is tied for 14th in the AHL with 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) and forward Greg Carey leads the league with eight power-play goals. Lehigh Valley is in the midst of a six-game homestand.
OVERTIME PERFECTION
Bridgeport continued its success beyond regulation last Saturday when Devon Toews delivered his first professional game-winning tally in overtime against Binghamton. The Sound Tigers are now 7-0 beyond regulation between five-minute overtime sessions (4-0) and shootouts (3-0). Bridgeport also leads the AHL with 14 points secured in overtime and is the only club to remain perfect in that category.
McADAM's HOMECOMING
First-year goaltender Eamon McAdam has a lot to be excited about as the Sound Tigers travel to his home state this evening. The 22-year-old leads Bridgeport in wins and is 7-0-0 through seven starts this season. In addition, McAdam currently ranks 12th among all AHL netminders with a 2.22 goals-against-average. He grew up in Perkasie, Penn. (just 20 miles down the road from the PPL Center) and attended Penn State University for three seasons. He's expected to start in goal tonight, marking the first time McAdam will play professionally in his home state.
EXPERIENCED ROOKIE
Defenseman Devon Toews has collected a team-best 12 assists in addition to his three goals on the season. The Islanders fourth-round pick from 2014 is tied for fifth among all AHL rookies in assists and is also tied for 10th among league defensemen with 15 points. Toews spent each of the last three seasons at Quinnipiac University, recording a career-high 30 points (seven goals, 22 assists) in 40 games as a junior and helping the Bobcats to a Frozen Four appearance this past spring.
QUICK HITS
The Sound Tigers are tied for second in the league with five shorthanded goals scored, two behind the Texas Stars... Bridgeport's penalty kill is seventh on the road this season (83.9-percent)... Stephen Gionta is two points shy of his 200th pro point... Bracken Kearns is two goals shy of his 200th pro tally.
AFFILIATE REPORT
NHL: New York Islanders (11-12-5): Next vs. Chicago - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET
ECHL: Missouri Mavericks (9-11-1-3): Next vs. Alaska - Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Marvel Night: Meet Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Spider Man at "Marvel Night" on Monday, Dec. 26th when the Sound Tigers battle their in-state rivals, the Hartford Wolf Pack, at 7 p.m. These popular characters will be available for pictures on the concourse with fans of all ages. A special Marvel package is also available for only $25! The package includes access to the game, a hot dog-chips-soda combo voucher and an official Storm superhero t-shirt! Call 203-345-2300 Option 7 to purchase or ORDER ONLINE NOW (use promo code MARVEL) .
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 .
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