AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Wotherspoon scores twice to guide Bridgeport to its fourth straight win

Published on March 3, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


BELLEVILLE, Ont. - Parker Wotherspoon scored the game-tying and go-ahead goals on Saturday as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (28-22-5-3), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, battled back to earn a 4-2 victory against the Belleville Senators (22-34-1-3) in their inaugural trip to Yardmen Arena.

It was Wotherspoon's second career two-goal performance, which helped the Sound Tigers sweep their two-game series against the Senators and extend their win streak to four in a row for the first time since Nov. 15-24. Josh Ho-Sang and Ben Holmstrom also found the back of the net, while Eamon McAdam (1-1-0) made 23 saves in his second AHL start this season.

Bridgeport has won each of its first three games during its four-game road trip, which concludes next Friday in Allentown, Penn. The team continues to sit three points outside of a playoff spot with one game in hand on the fourth-place Charlotte Checkers.

First periods have been a problem for Belleville this season, entering the game with a minus-21 goal differential in the opening frame, but the Senators scored twice in the first 20 minutes for a 2-0 lead at the break. Ben Sexton netted his eighth tally of the season at the 14:16 mark when he redirected Macoy Erkamps' shot from the doorstep. Nick Paul carried the puck down the right wing and hit the breaks near the circle before dropping a pass to Erkamps at the right point. The defenseman set up and fired a slap shot that Sexton tipped to make it 1-0.

Paul added his 11th of the season, and sixth on the power play, less than five minutes later with Michael Dal Colle in the box for tripping. Sexton bumped the puck to Paul at the top of the right circle and the latter danced to the slot and finished a forehand wrist shot past McAdam's outstretched glove at 18:54.

The Sound Tigers began their four-goal rally at 7:06 of the second period with the first of two power-play conversions. Following a slashing penalty against Maxime Lajoie, Andre Benoit blasted a slap shot from the blue line that hit a Senators defenseman in front and bounced to the left circle, where Ho-Sang swatted it past goaltender Marcus Hogberg for his sixth tally of the season. Casey Bailey also notched an assist in his 200th professional contest.

Wotherspoon tied the game at 2:10 of the third period with a missile from the blue line at even strength. Ryan Bourque created the opportunity when he won a left-circle draw off the left boards that angled out to the blue line, where Wotherspoon settled it, delayed, and then wired a slap shot past Hogberg's glove to make it 2-2.

The Sound Tigers grabbed their first lead at the 15:24 mark when Wotherspoon collected his second goal of the night and the fifth of his rookie campaign. With Filip Chlapik in the box for boarding, Holmstrom and Kyle Burroughs teamed up to find Wotherspoon at the point, where the Islanders prospect faked a slap shot and guided a wrister past Hogberg. It was Bridgeport's fourth power-play goal in its last two games after going seven straight contests without one.

Holmstrom capped the scoring for the second consecutive night with an empty-netter at the 18:36 mark. It was Holmstrom's eighth goal of the season, assisted by Bourque (two helpers).

The Sound Tigers went 2-for-3 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill. Hogberg (3-9-0) made 23 saves, while Bridgeport outshot Belleville 27-25.

Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers conclude a four-game road trip on Friday with a 7:05 p.m. matchup against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at PPL Center. Fans can follow all of the live action via the a619cb9866da2f5e1b028 Sound Tigers Radio Network and f7014860a59943243719f AHL Live, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.

Served by Sound Tigers: Meet Sound Tigers goaltender Eamon McAdam and defenseman Mike Cornell at Eli's Tavern in Milford (21 Daniel Street) on Tuesday, Mar. 6. Each player will assist the wait staff from 6-8 p.m. as well as sign autographs and take pictures during that time.

ComiConn Night: Your favorite comic book characters and superheroes will take over Webster Bank Arena on Saturday, Mar. 10 when the Sound Tigers host "ComiConn Night" against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7:30 p.m. In addition, a portion of ticket sales and concessions proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Connecticut to help grant future wishes for kids in the state. cca0d7ecd6f3eeada60c5 Click here for more information or to purchase a special ComiConn Night package.

Pucks 'N Paws: Bring your dog to Webster Bank Arena on Sunday, Mar. 11 at 3 p.m. for the popular Pucks 'N Paws Day, presented by VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Centers. The Sound Tigers will face the Springfield Thunderbirds and all fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game. In addition, there will be several animal welfare organizations on hand to showcase pets that are available for adoption. f19793239d1e53403386b Click here for a special ticket offer.

Don't Go It Alone: Whether it's a corporate outing, a fundraiser, or just friends getting together, a group outing with the Sound Tigers will guarantee an unforgettable experience filled with fast-paced action on the ice, great music, promotions and contests at an affordable price. The Sound Tigers have a variety of packages and promotional events to offer. Please call the team's front office at 203-345-2300 ext. 7 for more information on the benefits of bringing your group to a future game!

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