By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After an intense weekend in which the Providence Bruins traveled to Connecticut and defeated the Hartford Wolfpack and Bridgeport Islanders, the team will hit the road again to start the new year by taking on the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center. This season, the Bruins have faced the Bears twice and lost both games, with a final score of 2-1 in each match. In these games, the Bruins put up a strong fight, with their defense holding up well against the Bears’ offensive prowess, but they fell short in the end due to a lack of goal-scoring opportunities.
Since their last encounters, both the Bears and the Bruins have been very good. The Bears comfortably lead the Atlantic Division, and the Bruins are closely following in third place, just two points behind the Charlotte Checkers. This upcoming series will be a thrilling test for the Bruins, pitting them against one of the league’s top teams and giving them a chance to show their competitive spirit.
Goaltending has been crucial to the success of both the Bears and the Bruins this season. Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro have significantly improved their performance since the early games. DiPietro is ranked among the best in the league statistically and continues to be the backbone of the Providence team. Additionally, Brandon Bussi has overcome his early-season struggles. This duo is performing exceptionally well as they enter the new year.
The Bears have three outstanding goalies: Mitch Gibson, Clay Stevenson, and former American Hockey League Goalie of the Year Hunter Shephard. The team’s exceptional goaltending is a key reason for its success over the past two years. Hunter Shephard currently ranks highest in all goaltending metrics, even surpassing DiPietro. Providence will need to pressure Hershey early in the games if they want a chance to win.
The Bruins have been a force to reckon with, with goal-scoring contributions from various players in their lineup. The trio of Vinni Lettieri, Georgii Merkulov, and Matthew Poitras has been outstanding, collectively recording over 40 points in December. Their performance has been a source of excitement and hope for the team, and they are expected to continue their winning streak in the upcoming games.
Since his call-up to the big club, Fabian Lysell has become a hot topic among Bruins fans. Although he struggled early in the season, causing some concern, he has significantly improved lately and performed well in his debut in Boston. I hope to see that same level of fire and energy when he takes the ice this weekend in Pennsylvania.
Ethen Frank has been the standout goal scorer for the Hershey Bears this season, accumulating 27 points. Meanwhile, AHL veteran Mike Sgarbossa leads the team in assists with 20. If the Providence Bruins can effectively shut down both players, their chances of winning will significantly increase.
Join the Providence Bruins this Saturday as they take on the Hershey Bears, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM. The Bruins will quickly turn around as they face a rematch on Sunday at 3:00 PM. The Baby B’s are looking to earn some crucial points on the road this weekend to kick off the new year.
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