By: Tim A Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Week 14 of the AHL has arrived, and the Providence Bruins skate into it 20-7-5-2 (47 points). That is good for second in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. Our boys in black and gold are coming off a week that saw them defeat the Bridgeport Islanders 6-3 before falling to the Utica Comets 2-1. The Providence Bruins have three games this weekend that you will not want to miss.
The hockey action starts on Friday, January 13, 2023, when the Utica Comets travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to take on the Bruins at the Amica Mutual Pavillion. The hockey action continues Saturday, January 14, 2023, when the Providence Bruins travel to Hartford, Connecticut, to take on the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center. The hockey action wraps on Sunday, January 15, 2023, when the Hartford Wolf Pack travels to Providence, Rhode Island, to battle the Bruins at the Amica Mutual Pavillion. Do not miss the hard-hitting action.
Friday, January 13, 2023, Providence Bruins vs. Utica Comets (HOME)
The Friday matchup marks the fourth of six that the Providence Bruins and Utica Comets will have this season. The first game saw the Bruins win 2-1. Vinni Lettieri and Samuel Asselin scored for the Bruins.
The second matchup saw the Bruins win 4-3 in a shootout. Luke Toporowski, Vinni Lettieri, and Chris Wagner scored for the Bruins.
The third battle saw the Bruins fall 2-1. Justin Brazeau scored the lone goal for Providence. Keith Kinkaid played well in goal, stopping 24 of the 26 shots he faced.
The Utica Comets skate into the matchup 18-9-5-1 (42 points). That is good for second in the North Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Providence Bruins went 0-3-1 against the New Jersey affiliate last season. Over the past five seasons, Providence has a 6-5-1 record against Utica. The Comets have a high-powered offense, scoring 3.30 goals a game. The problem is they also give up 3.06 goals a game. The Providence Bruins must score early and often. If they can do that, they will win.
Saturday, January 14, 2023, and Sunday, January 15, 2023, Providence Bruins vs. Hartford Wolf Pack (AWAY, HOME)
The weekend series marks the second and third of ten games that Providence and Hartford will have this season. The first battle saw the Bruins win 3-1. Josiah Didier, Jack Ahcan, and Jakub Lauko scored for Providence. Keith Kinkaid was superb; he stopped 46 of the 47 shots he faced.
The Hartford Wolf Pack skates into the matchup 13-13-2-6 (34 points). That is good for eighth in the Atlantic Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. Last season, Providence went 6-1-1-2 against Hartford. Over the past five seasons, Providence has a 21-15-4-2 record against the Pack, including 11-8-2 at home. The Hartford Wolf Pack gives up a whopping 3.11 goals a game while only scoring 2.76. They have a -12 goal differential on the year. Despite that, division matchups are always taxing, and this one should be no different.
My Players To Watch This Weekend
Vinni Lettieri is having a fantastic first season with the Providence Bruins. He’s played so well that he is heading to the AHL All-Star game in February! In 33 games, the veteran forward has netted 12 goals while dishing out 16 assists for 28 total points. Look for him this weekend.
Fabian Lysell returned to the Bruins after a rough World Junior Championship tournament for Sweden. Despite that, the young forward has had an excellent rookie season for Providence and even registered an assist in his first game back with the Bruins. In 21 games, the young forward has netted eight goals while dishing out 12 assists for 20 total points. Look for him this weekend!
Brandon Bussi is having an excellent rookie season in Providence. The young goalie began the year playing in the ECHL for the Maine Mariners. Ever since the call-up to Providence, he’s been lights out. Bussi is playing so well that he is heading to his first AHL All-Star game. In 16 games, he is 11-2-3 with a .934 save percentage and a 2.17 goals-against average. Look for him this weekend!
The Providence Bruins continue playing excellent hockey. Vinni Lettieri and Brandon Bussi heading to the AHL All-Star game as the Providence representatives is incredible. They both deserve it. I hope everyone enjoys the games this weekend. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. GO BRUINS!
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