AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Sound Tigers Unbeaten In Regulation In 20

Published on December 12, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


PHILADELPHIA, PA - The American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, improved three-franchise record streaks and set another in a 4-1 road win over the Philadelphia Phantoms Friday. The Sound Tigers are now unbeaten-in-regulation in 20 games at 16-0-3-1. They are also unbeaten in any manner in 18 games at 15-0-3 and ten road games at 9-0-1. All three streaks are franchise records. The Sound Tigers also set a new team record for longest shutout streak in the game. They now have a League-leading 38 points and remain in first place in the overall AHL standings.

The Sound Tigers exploded out of the gates with a three-goal first period capitalizing on a trio of Philadelphia mistakes. First, Cail MacLean intercepted an errant pass in front of the Phantoms' net and turned it into his third goal of the season, unassisted, 3:37 into the game to make it 1-0. Then, Jeff Hamilton intercepted an outlet pass at the top of the slot and notched his League-leading 19th goal of the year, also unassisted, at 18:07 to make it 2-0. Finally, with Philadelphia's Mike Peluso sitting out a poor-decision roughing minor, Hamilton slapped home a puck that was rolling on edge from just inside the blue line for his 20th goal and 30th point off assists from Ryan Kraft and Alan Letang with 25.2 seconds left in the opening frame.

Philadelphia replaced Starting Goaltender Neil Little with ECHL-callup Chris Houle at the start of the second period after Little surrendered three goals on just eight shots. Houle stopped all 14 shots he faced.

Philadelphia cut the lead to 3-1 on a power-play goal by Patrick Sharp, his ninth goal of the season, off assists from Dennis Seidenberg and Randy Jones. The goal was scored 10:39 into the second period and ended the Sound Tigers' franchise-record-setting shutout streak at 161:18 dating back to the third period of last Saturday's 2-2 home tie with the Hershey Bears.

Philadelphia pulled Houle in favor of an extra attacker with just over one minute left in the third period, but the Sound Tigers iced the win with an empty-net goal by Kevin Colley, his fourth goal of the season, off an assist from Brandon Smith and Derek Bekar with 41.9 seconds left to play.

The Sound Tigers were 1 for 3 on the power play and outshot Philadelphia 23-21. The Phantoms were 1 for 4 on the advantage. Hamilton was the first star of the game. Sound Tigers Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz was the second extending his unbeaten streak to nine games at 8-0-1 with a 20-save effort. Sharp was the third star of the game.

The Sound Tigers will return home to host the Manchester Monarchs tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. and the Utah Grizzlies Sunday at 4:05 p.m. Tomorrow's game will be broadcast live at www.soundtigers.com beginning at 6:45 p.m. Sunday's game will be broadcast live on 600 WICC-AM and at www.soundtigers.com beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Sound Tigers individual-game tickets are on sale at the Harbor Yard box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on all game days, as well as on-line at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 203-368-1000.

Information regarding Sound Tigers season tickets, partial plans, flex packs, group discounts, birthday parties, suite packages and sponsorship opportunities is available by calling 203-334-GOAL or logging on to www.soundtigers.com.

Groups, organizations, companies, etc. that are interested in having a member of the Sound Tigers appear at an event are also invited to call 203-334-GOAL or email info@soundtigers.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2003


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