By: Tim A Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Week nine of the AHL season has arrived, and the Providence Bruins skate into it 14-3-3-2 (33 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 week that saw them defeat Springfield 2-1 before beating Hartford 3-1. Providence has two games coming up that you will not want to miss.
The hockey action starts on Saturday, December 10, 2022, when the Providence Bruins travel to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to take on the Islanders at the Total Mortgage Arena. The action wraps on Sunday, December 11, 2022, when the Bridgeport Islanders travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to take on the Bruins at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Do not miss the rivalry action.
Saturday, December 10, 2022 (AWAY), Sunday, December 11, 2022 (HOME), Providence Bruins vs. Bridgeport Islanders
The weekend series marks the sixth and seventh of 12 games Bridgeport and Providence will have this season. Our boys in black and gold won the first battle 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 fifth battle saw the Bruins fall 4-3. John Beecher, Kai Wissmann, and Chris Wagner found the back of the net for Providence.
The Islanders are 13-4-4 (30 points) to start the season. That is good for third in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference. Providence went 6-6 against the New York affiliate last season. Over the past five seasons, the Bruins were 26-14-7-3 against Bridgeport, including 12-8-2-2 on the road. Bridgeport is scoring 3.76 goals a game this season while giving up 3.04 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 2.59 goals a game. This game should be fun and tightly contested!
My Players To Watch This Weekend
Up Front
Fabian Lysell is having an excellent first season in Providence. He has eased into the pro game effortlessly. In 17 games, he’s netted five goals while dishing nine assists for 14 total points. Lysell will leave the team this month to play in the World Junior Championships for Sweden! Look for him this weekend, and watch him in the World Junior Championships!
On The Blue Line
Jack Ahcan has turned it on the past few weeks, really stepping up his game. He’s playing well, not only offensively but defensively as well. In 21 games, he’s netted one goal while dishing out ten assists for 11 total points. Look for him this weekend!
In Net
Brandon Bussi
has had an excellent first season in Providence. He started the year in the ECHL with Maine but came to Providence because of an injury in Boston. In nine games, he’s 6-1-2 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Look for him this weekend.
Providence is playing some excellent hockey. They play superb defense while also having a formidable offense. If you haven’t seen a game, I suggest doing so! I hope everyone 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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