Islanders Outlast Bears, 4-3, in Shootout Thriller

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Returning to Total Mortgage Arena for the first time in two weeks, the Bridgeport Islanders fought back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Hershey Bears, 4-3, in a shootout in the final Sound Tiger Saturday of the regular season.

The Bears struck 1:22 into the contest as Andrew Cristall converted on his 15th goal of the season. Sonny Milano continued Hershey's scoring with his fourth of the season at 11:35 into the opening period.

Liam Foudy collected a loose puck and fired home his 22nd goal of the season from the slot 1:50 into the second period, cutting Bridgeport's deficit in half. The goal gave Foudy his fourth consecutive home game recording a point, as he has collected six points (4-2–6) over that span.

Hershey responded at 8:46, as Ilya Protas picked up a loose puck in a net-front scrum and slid it home for his 26th of the year to take a 3-1 lead.

The Islanders answered back thanks to Matthew Highmore, who collected a pass from the right wing boards and ripped it past Mitch Gibson at 13:32 into the second period to cut the deficit to 3-2.

In the third period, the Islanders evened the score at three thanks to Daylan Kuefler, who buried a rebound for his seventh of the season 7:13 into the frame.

After a scoreless overtime, the Islanders gained the extra point in the shootout thanks to a game-winner from Alex Jefferies in the seventh round.

Cole Eiserman recorded a shot in his professional debut.

The Islanders will visit the Bears tomorrow at the GIANT Center at 3 p.m. They will return home on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Charlotte Checkers. Tickets can be found on www.bridgeportislanders.com.

Connect with the Bridgeport Islanders 

Keep up with the latest Islanders news and connect with other fans on Facebook (@AHLIslanders), Twitter (@AHLIslanders) and Instagram (@AHLIslanders).