AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Sound Tigers Fall to Monarchs 2-1 in Shootout

Published on November 26, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


MANCHESTER, NH - David Meckler netted the game-winning tally in the fourth round of the shootout as Manchester's Jeff Zatkoff and Bridgeport's Anders Nilsson were spectacular in goal throughout regulation and overtime, but the Monarchs came away with the extra point and a 2-1 win over the Sound Tigers on Saturday night at Verizon Wireless Arena. Manchester earns its fifth straight win and improves to 11-9-0-1. The Sound Tigers lose their first game of the season in a shootout as their record stands at 10-7-2-1.

The Monarchs tested Nilsson early and often, putting five shots on net in the openinig two minutes and 18 total shots in the opening frame. However, the rookie netminder making his first start since returning from his first NHL stint was up to the task, turning away all of Manchester's offensive opportunities. Zatkoff matched Nilsson in the opening frame, stopping all 10 Sound Tigers shots to send the two teams to their respective dressing rooms tied at zero after 20 minutes of play.

The Sound Tigers dictated much of the action in the second period, using a very effective forecheck to keep much of the play in the Monarchs zone. Bridgeport's best scoring chances came during a power play midway through the period. However, Zatkoff denied Jeremy Colliton on a point-blank one-timer from the slot, and Aaron Ness fired a shot from the high slot off the right post. The Sound Tigers outshot the Monarchs by a 10-3 margin, but the score was still 0-0 heading to the final period of play.

Jordan Nolan broke the scoreless tie 5:55 into the third period, sending a rebound past Nilsson for his sixth goal of the season. The Sound Tigers responded just 1:25 later to even the score once again. Dylan Reese's shot from the point was stopped by Zatkoff, but Colliton found the rebound for his fifth goal of the season to tie the score 1-1.

The Sound Tigers had their best opportunities early in overtime as Manchester's Stefan Legein was called for tripping at 1:12. However, the Sound Tigers could not take advantage of the 4-on-3 power play. Marc-Andre Cliche nearly won it for Manchester on a breakaway following the power play, but Nilsson's save sent the game to the shootout.

Sean Backman scored in the bottom half of the first round of the shootout to give the Sound Tigers the lead, but Cliche found redemption in the bonus round and beat Nilsson in the third frame of the shootout. Meckler scored the game-winner in the fourth round to put Manchester on top. The two goaltenders traded saves and Tomas Marcinko missed on the Sound Tigers final attempt as the Monarchs came away with the shootout victory.

Anders Nilsson made 34 saves in the shootout loss. Jeff Zatkoff made 27 saves to earn the win.

The Sound Tigers conclude their weekend tomorrow afternoon when they close out their home-and-home series with the Monarchs at Webster Bank Arena at 3:00 p.m.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 26, 2011


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