AHL Providence Bruins

Thomas sets new franchise record as Bruins blank Springfield

Published on April 2, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release


Providence, RI --

The Providence Bruins posted their second consecutive shutout and moved up into third place in the Atlantic Division on Friday night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, as they defeated the Springfield Falcons, 3-0. It was the team's franchise record ninth shutout of the season, and marked the second time in less than a month that they notched back-to-back shutouts. The Black and Gold also turned the trick on March 20 and 21 in 1-0 and 4-0 wins over Manchester and Portland, respectively. The Bruins have now moved into third place the Atlantic Division with their 34-26-10-4 record (82 points). The team needs four points to clinch a berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the 10th time in the 12-year history of the franchise. Any combination of Bruin points gained and Portland Pirates points missed equaling four will put the Bruins in the post-season.

Bruin goaltender Tim Thomas stopped all 22 shots he faced, for his seventh shutout of the season. He had already set a new single-season franchise record for most shutouts in a season following a 4-0 blanking of the Portland Pirates on March 21. Thomas also established a new franchise career record for shutouts, with eight in 73 games. His career shutout total has surpassed that of former Bruin and current Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender John Grahame. Friday's game marked the second time this season that he has posted consecutive shutouts. Thomas is now 18-14-5 on the season. He is tied for sixth in the AHL with a 1.93 GAA, ranks third in the league with a .939 save percentage and is tied for fourth in shutouts.

For the second consecutive game, Bruin center Brad Boyes scored what proved to be the game-winning goal, on his 31st tally of the year. Boyes, who was named on Thursday an AHL Second-Team All-Star, ranks sixth in AHL scoring with 31-38-69 totals in 72 games. Right wing Pat Leahy added his 14th of the year on a third period power play, as he tallied for the third straight game. Left wing Darren VanOene notched his eighth of the year, a shorthanded goal, and added an assist.

Defenseman Zdenek Kutlak, playing in his 250th game as a Bruin, had two assists. Only former Bruin defenseman and head coach Peter Laviolette (252), now the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has played more games with the P-Bruins.

The Bruins visit the Portland Pirates on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action will be broadcast live on WDDZ AM-550. They return home to host the Hartford Wolf Pack on Sunday, April 4 at 4:05 p.m.

Tickets for Sunday, as well as all remaining regular season Providence Bruins games, are available online at www.providencebruins.com, all TicketMaster outlets (401-331-2211 or 508/617-931-2000) and the Dunkin' Donuts Center Providence box office. Information on season ticket plans can be obtained by calling the P-Bruins ticket office at (401) 273-5000 or by logging on to the team website.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2004


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