By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After a solid weekend where the Providence Bruins went 1-1 against division rival Springfield Thunderbirds, the P-Bruins hope for a more successful week as they face two struggling American Hockey League teams: the Utica Comets and the Bridgeport Islanders. On Friday, the team will play the Comets at home at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Then, on Saturday, they will head to the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport to compete against the Islanders. Providence will return home on Sunday to finish the weekend with another matchup against the Islanders. The Baby B’s have dominated Bridgeport this season and are looking to maintain their winning streak.
The storyline heading into this week features the addition of Matthew Poitras and Michael Callahan, who have been sent down to Providence during the Four Nations break. Both players were key contributors during their previous time with the P-Bruins, and while they are likely to remain with the team only for this weekend, it’s exciting to see them back on the ice. Callahan was named to the Atlantic Division All-Star team but couldn’t attend due to his commitments in the National Hockey League. The Providence College alumnus recorded one goal and five assists for six points in 35 games earlier this season, but he has made significant contributions on defense.
Matthew Poitras may have had a shorter stint, but he still put up impressive numbers, recording eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in just 23 games. It is hoped that Coach Ryan Mougenel will reunite Poitras with his linemates Georgii Merkulov and Vinni Lettieri. During his time in Providence, Poitras had an impressive seven-game goal streak while playing with this line, and it is anticipated that he will add a much-needed spark to the power play.
Providence and Utica last faced off in early December, with the P-Bruins defeating the Comets 3-2. It was an exciting back-and-forth game in which Merkulov and Poitras each recorded two points. The Guelph Storm product scored the game-winning goal on a power play during the second period. Goaltender Brandon Bussi played a crucial role in the victory, stopping 18 of Utica’s 20 shots. However, the standout aspect of the game was the exceptional defense provided by the team in front of Bussi. They will aim to replicate that strong defensive performance this Friday.
The Providence Bruins have dominated against the Islanders this season, achieving an impressive 8-0-0 record. Two will be played this weekend, with only four games remaining in their season series. Last month, the Baby B’s defeated the Islanders 4-1 at home in the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Vinni Lettieri shined in that game, scoring two goals and providing one assist. At the same time, Georgii Merkulov contributed with a goal and an assist as Providence secured another easy victory over the Islanders. Michael DiPietro also had an excellent outing, stopping 34 of 35 shots to help his team win.
Join the P-Bruins this Friday as they face off against the Utica Comets at home in the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The puck drops at 7:05 PM. Watch as the fourth-place team in the Atlantic Division aims to improve their standings against two of the weaker teams in the league.
Leave a Reply