AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Sound Tigers Clash with Wolf Pack at 11 a.m.

Published on November 14, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


HARTFORD, Conn . - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (9-5-1-0), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, go for their sixth straight win this morning with an 11 a.m. matchup against the Hartford Wolf Pack (5-8-1-2) at the XL Center. Last time out, the Sound Tigers netted at least four goals for the fifth straight game and defeated the Charlotte Checkers 4-2 at Webster Bank Arena on Sunday. Kieffer Bellows scored for the fourth consecutive game and former Hartford captain Ryan Bourque had two assists, while Christopher Gibson made 28 saves on 30 shots. Otto Koivula, Connor Jones and Mike Sislo potted the other three goals for Bridgeport. The Sound Tigers have not won six straight games since Feb. 7-19, 2017.

TIGERS VS. WOLF PACK

Today's contest marks the second of 10 meetings between the Sound Tigers and Wolf Pack this season, and the second of five matchups in Connecticut's capital city. Bridgeport is 1-0-0-0 against Hartford this year after topping its in-state rival, 5-4, on Oct. 27. Sebastian Aho had three assists that night and Ryan Bourque scored twice against his former team, while Steve Bernier notched the game-winner with a power-play tally at 6:26 of the third period. Christopher Gibson earned the win with 23 saves.

VIEW FROM HARTFORD

Keith McCambridge's club is on a three-game slide (0-1-0-2) as it continues a five-game homestand this morning. Last time out, Tim Gettinger scored Hartford's lone tally in a 4-1 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last Saturday at XL Center. Dustin Tokarski made 28 saves in his fourth straight setback and third in regulation. The Wolf Pack are currently led by Steven Fogarty in goals (7) and points (14), while former seventh overall pick Lias Andersson is second in scoring with 12 points. However, Andersson was recalled by the New York Rangers on Monday, Nov. 5.

GOING STREAKING

The Sound Tigers will carry a number of notable streaks into their three-game road trip this week. Steve Bernier is on a six-game point streak and an AHL career-best five-game assist streak, while Kieffer Bellows has scored in four consecutive games (five goals during that span) - the longest active streak in the AHL. Bernier hasn't logged points in seven straight games since a career-best eight-game streak from Dec. 22, 2005 - Jan. 8, 2006. In addition, Otto Koivula is on a four-game point streak ahead of today's matchup.

HELPING HAND

Josh Ho-Sang had a trio of assists last week and now leads the Sound Tigers with 14 helpers and 15 points this season. Even better, Ho-Sang leads all AHL forwards in assists and is second in the League overall (one behind Rochester's Lawrence Pilut). Ho-Sang has 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in his last six games.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Three-time Calder Cup Champion Chris Bourque became just the 24th player to eclipse 700 points in AHL history when he collected the secondary assist on Devon Toews' first-period goal against Providence last Saturday. Bourque has played 735 AHL games and is currently three points shy of 23rd place on the all-time list held by Alex Giroux (2001-12). He is also one goal away from tying Bob Solinger (241 goals, 1945-60) for 48th place on the all-time goal-scoring list and 14 helpers shy of tying Zellio Toppazzini (476, 1948-64) for 14th all-time in assists. Bourque has nine points (four goals, five assists) and a team-high 45 shots in 13 games with Bridgeport this season.

QUICK HITS

Brent Thompson is two wins shy of his 200th AHL/Sound Tigers victory as head coach... Kyle Burroughs is two games away from his 200th AHL/Sound Tigers appearance... Bridgeport is 9-1-1-0 this season when leading at any point in a game... The Sound Tigers have outscored opponents 42-29 at home this season and are currently on a seven-game point streak at Webster Bank Arena (6-0-1-0)... Jeremy Colliton, the Sound Tigers' all-time leader in assists (126) & points (203), was named head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, Nov. 6... Devon Toews and Travis St. Denis both have three goals and five assists (eight points) over their last six games... Toews is tied for fourth among AHL defensemen with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists).

AFFILIATE REPORT

NHL: New York Islanders (9-6-2): Next vs. NY Rangers, Tomorrow (7 p.m. ET)

ECHL: Worcester Railers (3-8-1-0): Next vs. Manchester, Today (10 a.m. ET)

Packed Promotional Lineup: The Sound Tigers will boast one of their most extensive and wide-ranging promotional schedules ever for the 2018-19 season. The fan-friendly calendar includes the return of popular themes like Hockey and Hops (Nov. 23 and Mar. 17), Military Appreciation (Jan. 12), Star Wars Night (Jan. 19) and Princess Night (Mar. 30). Regional hockey fans will be elated for the addition of Hockey Weekend in Connecticut (Feb. 23-24), while other new headliners include Holiday Gift Weekend (Dec. 15-16) and a revamped Teddy Bear Toss (Nov. 23). View the full 2018-19 promotional schedule.

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.

Check out the Bridgeport Islanders Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from November 14, 2018


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