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Smith's Shutout Fuels Islanders in 4-0 Win

Smith's Shutout Fuels Islanders in 4-0 Win

Feb 1, 2026

Bridgeport, CT –  Returning to Total Mortgage Arena for the final game of the Bridgeport Islanders’ three-game weekend, Rocky Thompson gave Jeremy Smith the nod for his first AHL game in 2,479 days. With a 418-game gap between Islander appearances, Smith rewarded his coach with a 22-save shutout while the Isles’ fourth line netted two goals in a 4-0 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds.

The Islanders struck first for the eighth consecutive game 16:09 into action, as Matthew Maggio roped a one-timer over Georgi Romanov’s shoulder for a power play goal.

Hunter Drew continued his torrid weekend in the middle frame, sniping his 11th of the season and fourth of the three-game stretch from the slot 10:09 into the second period. 

After drawing two penalties on the same play, the Thunderbirds were rewarded with a crucial five-on-three opportunity early in the third period. Still, they were denied by the Islanders’ penalty kill. The Islanders capitalized on their momentum minutes later, as Adam Beckman sniped his team-leading 17th goal of the season on the power play.

Daylan Kuefler added insurance late in the third, beating Romanov on a wrap-around for his fifth of the season. 

The Islanders return home on Wednesday, February 4, for a 7 p.m. contest against the Providence Bruins. Tickets are available on https://www.bridgeportislanders.com/. 

Notes

  • Jeremy Smith made his first AHL start in 2,479 days (4/20/2019), which is the longest gap in appearances in Bridgeport Islanders history. The 36-year-old netminder saved all 21 shots and assisted on Beckman’s goal in his return to action, marking his ninth career assist. 

  • Smith recorded his first shutout in North America since March 17, 2019. 

  • Liam Foudy’s assist on Kuefler’s goal extended his point streak to an AHL-high 10 games (8-4–12). He is one of nine players in the AHL to record a double-digit point streak, and the Islanders are 7-2-0-1 over that span. 

  • Maggio’s goal was his sixth of the season and first since December 27, snapping a 14-game goalless drought. 

  • The line of Cam Berg (1-1–2), Matthew Maggio (1-3–4) and Hunter Drew (4-1–5) finishes the weekend with 6 of Bridgeport’s 12 goals and 11 total points. 

  • Bridgeport improves to 14-5-1-1 when leading after one period. They have scored first in 11 of 13 games since the New Year. 

  • The Islanders’ penalty kill went a perfect 3/3 on Springfield power plays this afternoon. They have not allowed a power play goal since January 3 and have converted on 26 consecutive chances. 

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