Sound Tigers Stomp Thunderbirds 5-1
October 28, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Christopher Gibson was solid for the third time in as many starts and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (3-2-0-0) offense lit up for five goals from five different players, topping the Springfield Thunderbirds (3-2-0-0) at MassMutual Center, 5-1, on Friday.
Gibson (3-0-0-0) stopped 27 of the 28 shots he faced, allowing only a 5-on-3 power-play goal in the final three minutes. Meanwhile, Steve Bernier notched two points (one goal, one assist) in his Sound Tigers debut.
With the win, Bridgeport evened the season series against Springfield 1-1-0-0. In addition, Gibson moved to within one victory of eighth place on the Sound Tigers' all-time wins list among goaltenders (22).
The Sound Tigers came into the contest with a strong focus on controlling the game early and improving the power play. They did both at 9:41 of the first period when Carter Verhaeghe opened the scoring with Bridgeport on the man advantage. Kane Lafranchise created the attack when he wristed a shot on target from the right point before Bracken Kearns and Bernier each got a touch. The puck eventually slid to the right circle where Verhaeghe stepped into a blast that beat goaltender Reto Berra for his second tally of the season.
Bernier doubled the lead at 4:42 of the middle frame with a second power-play goal in as many chances. From the right corner, Lafranchise poked the puck free to Kearns who peppered Berra with a low shot. Springfield's goaltender made the initial save, but the rebound found Bernier near the left hash marks where the veteran slammed it home.
The Sound Tigers added three more insurance goals in the third period courtesy of Kellen Jones, Michael Dal Colle and Kearns. Jones made it 3-0 at the 2:36 mark when he intercepted Ian McCoshen's pass in the Thunderbirds zone and beat Berra glove-side from point blank.
Dal Colle and Josh Ho-Sang capitalized on a 2-on-1 rush for the second straight week to make it a four-goal game at 4:35. After Tanner Fritz banked the puck into the zone from center ice, Ho-Sang grabbed possession and fed Dal Colle at the back post for a one-time tap-in to make it 4-0. The assist extended Ho-Sang's point streak to a team-high, and career-best, four straight games (four assists).
Kearns made it 5-0 at 14:54 with a backhand shot from the right circle to complete his game-high, three-point performance (one goal, two assists).
Springfield's only tally came on its second 5-on-3 opportunity of the third period when Logan Shaw scored his first of the season at 17:51. Prior to the goal, Gibson and the Sound Tigers penalty kill stopped a full 1:58 of 5-on-3 time less than five minutes before.
Bridgeport finished the game 2-for-4 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill. Berra (2-1-0-0) made 25 saves in his first loss of the season.
The Sound Tigers outshot their opponent for the third straight contest, 30-28.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena tomorrow to continue a three-game weekend series. The puck drops at 7 p.m. against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a free Storm garden gnome courtesy of Buckle Up Connecticut. Plus, receive $2.00 off your game ticket at the box office when you show your AAA Membership Card. Fans not in attendance can follow all of the action via AHLlive.com .
Kids Free Day: The Sound Tigers conclude their weekend schedule on Sunday with a 3 p.m. rematch against the Springfield Thunderbirds at Webster Bank Arena. Kids 12 and younger get in free with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket at the Webster Bank Arena Click It or Ticket Box Office. In addition, Sunday Fun Packs are available featuring four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs and four (4) soft drinks for as low as $99.
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.
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