Islanders' Offense Erupts in 6-1 Win over Thunderbirds

Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Islanders returned to Total Mortgage Arena for the latter half of their home-and-home series against the Springfield Thunderbirds, riding momentum after a 6-2 victory on Friday night in Springfield. Looking to complete the sweep, Bridgeport delivered another dominant performance, lighting the lamp six times for a commanding 6-1 win in front of an energetic home crowd. 

After a scoreless opening period, the Islanders wasted no time getting on the board in the middle frame. Just 1:25 in, Alex Jeffries took a drop pass from Eetu Liukas at the top of the right circle and fired a shot past the Springfield goaltender to open the scoring. Celebrating his 24th birthday, Jeffries recorded his third goal of the season and third point of the weekend. 

A Springfield power play minutes later didn’t slow Bridgeport’s momentum. A deflection in the defensive zone sparked a 2-on-1 rush, where Daylan Kuefler fed Liukas, who buried his first goal of the season at 3:37. The tally marked Bridgeport’s first shorthanded goal since October 18, which was also scored by Jeffries. 

The Islanders continued to roll midway through the frame. Matthew Maggio sent a crisp pass from the lower right circle to the front of the net, where Adam Beckman finished for his second goal in as many nights at 9:03, extending Bridgeport’s lead to 3-0.

Springfield got on the board at 15:32, as Juraj Pekarcik’s shot from the left boards deflected off a Bridgeport defender and in for a power-play goal. 

Bridgeport’s penalty kill came up big midway through the third period, and shortly after returning to even strength, the Islanders put the game out of reach. Joey Larson sniped home his sixth of the season and third of the weekend from the slot at 13:20 to make it 4-1. The goal also put him in a tie for the AHL lead for goals by a rookie in the 2025-26 season.

Moments later, Chris Terry tucked home a rebound at 15:12, giving him sole possession of second place on Bridgeport’s all-time goals list with 78. 

The Islanders’ top line capped the scoring just 23 seconds later, as Marc Gatcomb’s wrister found the back of the net for his second goal in as many games, sealing Bridgeport’s second straight six-goal performance. 

Bridgeport returns home on Wednesday for its annual School Day Game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 10:30 a.m. The Islanders announced that the contest is officially sold out, marking what will be the largest School Day Game in the 25-year history of professional hockey in Bridgeport. 

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