I also listened to the Falcons, Sound Tigers game the night before, and was ready to recap, but long story short, Springfield seems to be getting better, but not better enough quickly. Bridgeport meanwhile is on a roll. Just my luck, everyone has to prove me wrong. Both games were the only one for that night, so they were able to get a lot of attention.
Providence Buins: 3
The game was really tightly contested. Nobody maintained a lead very long, as each opponent seemed to Hulk out the moment they went down. It led to a span of very quick goals towards the end of the second. Three of the five goals scored in the second period coming within a span of 90 seconds in the final 3 minutes of play. The announcers couldn't even get through half of a goal scorers name before another one was scored. It was like the last five minutes everyone decided to pull their goalies and play with open nets. That was before a tough third with lots of chances for both sides stifled by great goalie play.
Bruins force another OT. McIntyre has been allowing more goals than his first loss, but he's been making the right plays when needed and seems to be playing better when the stakes are there. Unfortunately once the Providence Bruins get down to 3 on 3 they aren't as effective, and a dumb hooking penalty at the end gave the WolfPack a man advantage necessary to secure the winning goal. Hopefully though, the Providence Bruins can correct this, and managed longer than their first power play outing.
Who also is playing well? Frank Vatrano, a kid from East Longmeadow who grew up watching the Bruins and Springfield Falcons, and after a stint in Umass Ahmerst was recruited to the very organization he grew up loving. He's young, has a quick release, was named AHL player of the week for the opening week, and already has scored six goals over his first three games, including the one that forced overtime in the matchup against the baby pens. If he keeps this up, he may not be in Providence for long. I would hope not since he still needs some time to develop, and could hone in on some defensive skills.
As for the Wolfpack, they also played a great game. Their goalie Helberg made crucial saves, 37 total shots were taken against him and he held strong. Does the power play still suck? Yeah, they didn't get a power play goal until over time, making them 1-10 for the season. Tambellinni, their center seemed determined to break the streak in the 4-3 gift from Providence, taking shot after shot until he finally snuck one by McIntyre. It was a hell of an individual effort that rewarded the Wolfpack with their first win.
Providence faces the 3-0 Soundtigers (?!?) next at home this friday, with a rematch in Bridgeport Saturday and Hartford plays Utica at home Saturday in a matchup between the former Springfield Indians and the former Providence Reds. AHL original six like I keep talking about.
Tonight's games are late night western affairs, with a game between the Ontario Reign visiting the Manitoba Moose and the San Jose Sharks visiting the Stockton Heat. I will try to listen to one, maybe.
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