By: Tim A Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Week seven of the AHL season is here, and the Providence Bruins skate into it 10-2-3-2 (25 points.) That is good for first in the Atlantic Division and first in the Eastern Conference. Our boys in black and gold are coming off a tough week where they lost to Lehigh Valley 4-2 and 3-2 in a shootout. They would also fall to Bridgeport 3-2 in overtime before falling to Rochester 4-3 in overtime. The Bruins have three games this week that you will not want to miss.
The hockey action begins Friday, November 25, 2022, when the Providence Bruins travel to Syracuse, New York, to take on the Crunch at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial. The action continues Saturday, November 26, 2022, when the Providence Bruins take on the Syracuse Crunch at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse, New York. The action wraps on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, when the Providence Bruins travel to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to take on the Islanders at the Total Mortgage Arena. Do not miss the action!
Friday, November 25, 2022, and Saturday, November 26, 2022, Providence Bruins vs. Syracuse Crunch (AWAY)
The Friday and Saturday matchups mark the first and second of four that Syracuse and Providence play this season. The Tampa Bay affiliate skates into the matchup 7-6-1-2 (17 points). That is good for fourth in the North Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Syracuse Crunch has a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. Syracuse nets 3.88 goals a game. The problem is they give up 3.47 goals a game. Over the past five seasons, Providence has had a 3-2-0-1 record against them, including 2-0-1 on the road. Do not miss this series!
Wednesday, November 30, 2022, Providence Bruins vs. Bridgeport Islanders (AWAY)
The Wednesday battle marks the fifth of 12 Bridgeport and Providence will have this season. Our boys in black and gold won game one 3-1, getting goals from Georgii Merkulov, Fabian Lysell, and Chris Wagner.
The second matchup saw the Bruins lose 5-4 in overtime. Georgii Merkulov (2), Chris Wagner, and Luke Toporowski scored for Providence.
The third battle saw the Providence Bruins win 1-0. Connor Carrick scored the lone goal for Providence. Brandon Bussi recorded his first shutout of the season.
The fourth installment of the season series saw the Bruins fall 3-2 in overtime. Vinni Lettieri and Chris Wagner scored goals for Providence.
The Islanders are 10-3-3 (23 points) to start the season. That is good for second in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. Providence went 6-6 against the New York affiliate last season. Over the past five seasons, the Bruins were 26-13-7-3 against Bridgeport, including 12-7-2-2 on the road. Bridgeport is scoring 3.63 goals a game this season while giving up 2.93 goals per game. Their prolific offense is the reason for their strong start. The Providence Bruins boast one of the top defenses in the AHL, giving up only 2.52 goals a game. This game should be fun and tightly contested!
My Players To Watch This Weekend
Up Front
Vinni Lettieri continues to have an excellent first season in Providence. He came to the Bruins after spending last year splitting time between the Anaheim Ducks and their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. In 17 games, the veteran forward has netted nine goals while dishing out eight assists for 17 total points. Lettieri has been a top contributor on the ice for Providence all season. Look for him this weekend.
On The Blue Line
Connor Carrick continues to also have an excellent first season in Providence. The veteran defenseman came to the Bruins after spending last season with the Charlotte Checkers. In 14 games, he netted one goal while dishing out nine assists for ten total points. On top of that, Carrick is playing excellent defense. Look for him this weekend.
In Net
Brandon Bussi is playing excellent for Providence. He began his season in Maine with the Mariners but got the call-up to Providence because of injuries. In six games, the young goalie is 4-0-2 with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.
The Providence Bruins remain in a good position despite the rough week. I expect our boys in black and gold to right the ship quickly. I hope everyone who celebrates has a marvelous Thanksgiving and enjoys the games this weekend. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. As always, GO, Bs, GO!
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