( Photo Credit: Providence Bruins / Tessa McAndrews )

By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky

After a tumultuous week in which the Providence Bruins posted a record of 1-3 yet secured a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the team now has an opportunity for redemption with three games scheduled over three days.

On Friday, the Baby Bs will host the Charlotte Checkers at the Amica Mutual Pavilion for the first time this season. Then, they will travel to the Adirondack Bank Center on Saturday to face the Utica Comets. The weekend will conclude with a second match against the Charlotte Checkers at home on Sunday. The team will rely heavily on goaltenders Brandon Bussi and newcomer Nolan Maier, as league-leading netminder Michael DiPietro is currently injured.

Once again, the Providence Bruins will be without several key players. Vinni Lettieri, Ian Mitchell, Patrick Brown, Fabian Lysell, Michael Callahan, and Jeffrey Viel are currently with the Boston Bruins. Additionally, Michael DiPietro and Billy Sweezey are unavailable due to injuries, though the severity of their injuries is unknown. Lastly, Jackson Edward has been assigned to the Maine Mariners, the Boston Bruins’ East Coast Hockey League affiliate.

Fortunately, the team has added several players to strengthen the lineup. Jake Schmaltz and Dans Locmelis were both signed from college. Schmaltz made his debut this past weekend, while Locmelis is set to make his debut this weekend. Additionally, Nolan Maier remains with the team. Maier was called up from the ECHL but has not started a game since.

The P-Bruins are currently 0-2 against the Charlotte Checkers this season. Both games took place over the past week as the team wrapped up an eight-game road trip. The first game ended in a 6-3 loss, while the second match was slightly better, with the Baby Bs losing 5-2. The Bruins faced some unusual circumstances throughout this series due to injuries, so the upcoming matchup should be much more balanced. This series is one to watch, as both teams are vying for a top two position in the Atlantic Division.

The Providence Bruins have a favorable matchup against the Utica Comets. In late February, the Bruins won 4-2 in their last encounter. Ian Mitchell scored two goals in that game, and Michael DiPietro made 22 saves on 24 shots. Both teams will have significantly different lineups compared to their previous meeting. A key change is the trade that swapped Marc McLaughlin for Daniil Misyul. This match marks the first time the Bruins will face McLaughlin since his trade. The former Boston College Eagle played three seasons with the Baby Bruins before moving to Utica.

Catch the Providence Bruins this weekend as they aim to improve their position in the Atlantic Division. On Friday, the puck drops at 7:00 PM at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. With only seven games left in the season, every point is crucial as the team fights for better standing and a playoff spot. All eyes will be on Providence as they hope to embark on a long Calder Cup playoff run.