By: Tim A Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Week 13 of the AHL season is here, and the Providence Bruins skate into it 13-9-3-1 (30 points). That is good for fourth in the Atlantic Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. Our boys in black and gold are coming off a stellar week that saw them beat Hartford 4-0 and Springfield 7-1 before falling to Bridgeport 4-3. The spoked P has two big games coming up that you will not want to miss.
The weekend starts on Friday, January 7, 2022, when the Lehigh Valley Phantoms travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to battle the Bruins at the Dunk. The weekend wraps up on Sunday, January 9, 2022, when the Lehigh Valley Phantoms take on Providence at the Dunkin Donuts Center. It’s two games you will not want to miss.
Friday, January 7, 2022 and Sunday, January 9, 2022, Providence Bruins vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms (HOME)
The Friday and Sunday matchups will mark the second and third of six the Phantoms and Bruins have this season. The first battle saw the Bruins come out on top 6-3. Matt Filipe, Steven Fogarty, Zach Senyshyn (3), and Jack Studnicka had goals for Providence. Goalie Jon Gillies made 31 stops in the victory.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms skate into the matchup 9-11-5-2 (25 points). That is good for six in the Atlantic Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers’ affiliate has suffered from one of the worst defenses in the AHL. They are giving up 3.18 goals a game. On the flip side, the Providence Bruins only give up 2.61 goals a game, boasting one of the better defenses in the AHL. Grabbing an early lead will help the Bruins. Lehigh Valley is 2-5-2-1 when trailing after one period and 1-6-2 when down after two. It will be an exciting weekend of hockey you do not want to miss.
My Players To Watch This Weekend
Up Front
Steven Fogarty: Steven Fogarty is in his first season with the Providence Bruins. Fogarty came to Providence this year after spending time in the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres organizations. The veteran forward has been excellent for our boys in black and gold. In 23 games, he’s found the back of the net six times while dishing out 13 assists for 19 total points. Fogarty has turned into a reliable piece to the offensive puzzle. Look for him this weekend.
On The Blue Line
Jack Ahcan: Jack Ahcan continues to be one of the best Bruins on the ice every game. Ahcan’s offensive ability and defensive ability shine through when he’s playing. The young defenseman will get another shot in Boston sooner rather than later. In 23 games, he’s netted three goals while dishing out nine assists for 12 total points. Ahcan is one of my favorite Bruins’ prospects. Look for him this weekend.
In Net
Troy Grosenick: Troy Grosenick is having a stellar first season in Providence. The veteran goalie came to the Bruins after spending last season in the Kings’ organization. In 11 games, he’s 6-2-1 with a 2.13 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. He’s also recorded one shutout. Look for him this weekend.
The Providence Bruins are playing some stellar hockey currently. They are 6-4 over their last ten games and continue to get stronger each game. If they keep it up, there is no reason why they make a serious run in the playoffs. I hope everyone had a great holiday and New Year. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. As always, GO, Bs, GO!
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