By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After an impressive weekend where the Providence Bruins secured five out of a possible six points, the team is eager to maintain its strong performance as they head to Cleveland, Ohio, to face off against the Cleveland Monsters. This will be a two-game series right before the All-Star break. The Providence Bruins hold second place in the Atlantic Division and are looking to close the gap on the Hershey Bears. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Monsters are in third place in the North Division. Both teams have significantly evolved since their first two meetings, which should make these final two matchups much more exciting.
Both meetings this season have been thrilling, as they went into overtime. Unfortunately, the Monsters won both games, with final scores of 4-3. Denton Mateychuk scored the winning goal for the Monsters in each of the two matches. The P-Bruins are looking to even up the series during their upcoming road trip.
Providence is entering this game on a strong note, boasting a record of five wins, zero losses, and one overtime loss in their last six games. This impressive streak comes despite the absence of key players like Vinni Lettieri, Matthew Poitras, and Michael Callahan, who have been called up to Boston. The team has shown resilience, continuing to score and secure victories. Georgii Merkulov has been central to their offensive efforts, amassing eight points in the past six games, even without his usual linemates.
A standout feature of this season has been the exceptional goaltending from Michael DiPietro and Brandon Bussi. The two have recently demonstrated their prowess by maintaining a shutout streak lasting over three games and nearly 200 consecutive minutes. Providence will rely on this outstanding performance in goal to secure the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
Cleveland has been performing well recently, with a record of three wins, one loss, and two ties in their last six games. However, the Monsters will be shorthanded for their upcoming match, as Luca Del Bel Belluz, Denton Mateychuk, and Daniil Tarasov will not be in the lineup. This series is crucial for the Monsters as they aim to secure the first-place spot. Currently, the team is in third place and just three points behind the leader. With some luck, Cleveland could potentially claim the top spot this weekend.
One player to watch is Fabian Lysell. Although he has been inconsistent this season, Lysell has significantly stepped up his game since the departure of the Providence Bruins’ top players. Over the weekend, he recorded four points in three games, using his speed and skill to overwhelm defenders. Another player to note is Frederic Brunet. He has improved considerably on both ends of the ice since last season, scoring a goal this past weekend. Brunet has accumulated 11 points in 39 games this season and remains one of the team’s most reliable defensemen.
Catch the Providence Bruins this week as they face off against the Cleveland Monsters. The puck drops at 7 PM on Flo Hockey. The P-Bruins will have a quick turnaround as they take on the Monsters again on Saturday. After this series, fans can cheer on Michael Callahan and Michael DiPietro as they represent Providence at the American Hockey League All-Star Game.
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