Sports stats

AHL Springfield Thunderbirds

T-Birds Return to Action with Three Straight vs. Hartford

January 30, 2020 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Thunderbirds News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (25-19-2-0) jump back onto the ice on Friday and Saturday for the first two out of three consecutive matchups with the Atlantic Division leaders, the Hartford Wolf Pack (25-10-4-5). They face one another on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. inside the XL Center before returning to Springfield for "What If?" Night on Saturday as the T-Birds become the Ice-O-Topes for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. The two teams will also reconvene in Hartford on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Springfield has yet to dent the Wolf Pack in the season series, as Hartford has a perfect 3-0-0-0 mark against the T-Birds. Hartford has outscored Springfield 9-3 over those three matchups. First-year Hartford goalie Igor Shesterkin was a big reason for Hartford's success, going 3-0 with a 1.00 goals against average and .962 save percentage to go along with a shutout in the first three meetings. Shesterkin has since been recalled by the New York Rangers, the Wolf Pack's NHL affiliate.

The Wolf Pack, the AHL's second best team based on points percentage, has seen drastic differences in their play inside the XL Center versus on the road. Hartford is a staggering 18-1-0-2 in their home rink, including a run of 10 straight games earning at least a point at home. Their only home ice blemish of the season in regulation was a 3-1 loss to Syracuse on Nov. 20.

On the contrary, the Wolf Pack have struggled mightily on the road, going 7-9-4-3 away from the XL Center. However, they did defeat Springfield, 5-2, at the MassMutual Center on Dec. 6.

Springfield enters this important three-game stretch playing some of its best hockey of the 2019-20 season. Dating back to Dec. 28, the T-Birds are 9-3-0-0, climbing from outside the Atlantic Division playoff bubble into the fourth spot, while still sitting just seven points back of top billing.

Rookie winger and T-Birds All-Star Owen Tippett has also had his hottest stretch of hockey in his young pro career, scoring seven goals and tallying 15 points over his last 10 games played. The 20-year-old sits in a tie with Belleville's Josh Norris for the AHL rookie scoring lead with 40 points over his first 46 games. His 19 goals place him third among AHL rookies.

The T-Birds captured two wins in three games last week heading into the All-Star break, and in both victories, Springfield was never penalized, a feat they had never accomplished in their history until last Wednesday's win over Hershey. They duplicated the trick on Saturday in a 6-2 win over Bridgeport.

Saturday's "What If?" Night, presented by Balise, will feature a live, postgame jersey auction with Thunderbirds players taking part in the festivities. For more information on the night or to purchase tickets, call (413) 739-4625.

For more ticket information or to become a 2019-20 Springfield Thunderbirds ticket package member, or to purchase single game tickets, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

Check out the Springfield Thunderbirds Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Springfield Thunderbirds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central