Sound Tigers Grind Out Road Win on Saturday
Feb 2, 2019
The Bridgeport Islanders (25-17-4-2), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, scored twice in the first period and outplayed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (23-19-4-1) in every frame on Saturday, earning a 2-1 road win at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.
Scott Eansor and Jeff Kubiak each found the back of the net and Jeremy Smith (14-8-2) made 25 saves as the Sound Tigers reclaimed second place in the Atlantic Division standings (56 points).
BOX SCORE
The Sound Tigers solved Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry early, and late, in the opening period to build their 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Kubiak broke the ice less than two minutes into the game when he capitalized on a pair of rebounds to collect his third goal of the season. Seth Helgeson and Ben Holmstrom both tested Jarry early on but were denied by leg-pad saves. On Holmstrom's chance, the puck angled back to the low slot where Kubiak slammed it home at the 1:57 mark.
Ethan Prow knotted the game at the 14:42 mark with his team-leading eighth power-play goal and his 15th of the year overall, which is tied for second among AHL defensemen. Following a hooking penalty accessed to Travis St. Denis at 14:28, Adam Johnson settled Joe Blandisi's pass in the high slot and looked off a drive to set up Prow. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's All-Star representative called for the puck on the right side and rifled a shot past Jeremy Smith to make it 1-1.
Eansor put the Sound Tigers back in front during the closing seconds of the first period when he scored his sixth goal of the season. Yannick Rathgeb advanced a pass down the right wing and Eansor carried it to the bottom the circle before hitting the brakes and surveying the Penguins' zone. With nothing available, Eansor turned to his forehand and snapped a short-side shot past Jarry's glove to make it 2-1.
Bridgeport outshot Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 14-8 in the second period and 12-8 in the third, but Smith and Jarry were both effective in the final 40 minutes of the 2-1 final. Tanner Fritz and Otto Koivula came the closest to scoring, each hitting iron with shots of the post, but the Sound Tigers were held to just two goals. It was their sixth win of the season when scoring two goals or fewer.
The Sound Tigers also finished the game 0-for-5 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers continue a three-game road trip on Tuesday with a 7 p.m. matchup against the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center. The game will air across the Sound Tigers Radio Network , and may be viewed live via AHLTV. Pre-game coverage is set to begin at 6:45 p.m.
Packed Promotional Lineup: The Sound Tigers boast one of their most extensive and wide-ranging promotional schedules ever for the 2018-19 season. The fan-friendly calendar includes the return of popular themes like Hockey and Hops (Mar. 17) and Princess Night (Mar. 30). Regional hockey fans will also be elated for the addition of Hockey Weekend in Connecticut (Feb. 23-24).
For additional details or to reserve a group outing for any giveaway or theme night, please call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300 ext 7.
About the Bridgeport Islanders
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Islanders Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com.