By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
The Providence Bruins lost to the Charlotte Checkers in Game Five, with a final score of 5-2. Despite the defeat, this run provided valuable playoff experience for the younger players. While some players performed well and stepped up, others were less noticeable on the ice. Only a few players can leave the playoffs knowing they gave 100% effort, while some will need to reflect during the off-season to determine how they can contribute more effectively next season.
It feels like ages since the P-Bruins faced the Springfield Thunderbirds in the first round of the playoffs. In Game One, they lost 2-1 despite a strong performance with 40 shots on goal. Unfortunately, they couldn’t overcome Colten Ellis’ impressive goaltending. Providence struggled to convert on key scoring opportunities, jeopardizing their playoff hopes 60 minutes into their postseason run.
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The second game took place back in Springfield. This match turned into another goaltenders’ duel, but neither goalie made the save of the game; that honor goes to Captain Patrick Brown, who valiantly blocked a shot with his face to keep the score tied at zero late in the game. Vinni Lettieri secured the victory in overtime by scoring on a rebound, helping to keep the Calder Cup ambitions alive.
Game Three was a thrilling goalie duel until the third period, when Riley Tufte and Matthew Poitras took charge. They led the P-Bruins to a victory that advanced them to the next round. The Baby Bs scored five unanswered goals, winning the game 5-1. The power play performed well, converting three out of five opportunities, while the penalty kill was equally impressive, successfully stopping all four attempts by the opposing team.
Despite a sluggish start to the series, the Providence Bruins never felt out of contention, consistently dominating the shot count. While most people may forget Games One and Two, they will undoubtedly remember the players who stepped up in Game Three: Poitras and Tufte, who scored two goals each. Additionally, Brown’s heroics in leading the team to this point will not be forgotten. One player who often goes overlooked, yet was exceptional throughout this series, is Michael DiPietro, who only allowed two goals over three games, keeping the Calder Cup dream alive. Although the series was challenging, the team found its rhythm during the third period of Game Three.
The series against the well-rested Charlotte Checkers started the worst possible way as the P-Bruins were gifted a power play early in Game One, but gave up two shorthanded goals just six minutes into the game to dig themselves a deep hole. Unfortunately, it didn’t get much better in Providence, as Game One resulted in a 5-1 loss in which the Bruins struggled to register any scoring chances, while Game Two wasn’t much better with the team being shut out by a final score of 2-0. After two home games, the Baby B’s again had their backs against the wall, going to Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Bruins had a rough start in Game Three, as Will Lockwood scored the opening goal eight minutes into the game. Riley Tufte managed to even the score with a power-play goal, but the Checkers responded with another power-play goal, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission. Tufte scored again in the second period, tying the game at two. In the third period, Tyler Pitlick scored early, and the P-Bruins held off the Checkers to secure a 3-2 victory in Game 3, keeping their hopes alive.
With their backs against the wall, Providence faced another rough start. Just a few minutes into the first period, Michael DiPietro was hit and fell to the ice, needing three people to help him off while unable to put any weight on his leg. Brandon Bussi had the challenge of keeping the Baby Bs in the series against one of the best teams in the American Hockey League. Despite a few incredible saves from him, the team surrendered the first goal again.
However, they managed to equalize in the second period thanks to a fantastic forecheck by Trevor Kuntar and Joey Abate, who won the puck and set up John Farinacci for the goal. Both teams scored in the third period, sending the game into overtime, where Captain Patrick Brown scored to force a decisive Game Five.
Game Five was nothing short of disappointing. The P-Bruins seemed exhausted and registered only eight shots throughout the entire game. As strong teams often do, they managed to stay competitive with two goals from Vinni Lettieri in the final period. However, after a few empty-net goals by Charlotte, the game ended in a 5-2 loss, marking the end of Providence’s playoff hopes.
My final thoughts on this series are straightforward: some players showed up, while others did not. I want to recognize Matthew Poitras, Riley Tufte, Patrick Brown, Fraser Minten, Michael DiPietro, and Brandon Bussi for their outstanding contributions during this playoff run.
Fraser Minten may not have appeared on the score sheet much, but he was highly noticeable on defense and during the penalty kill. Patrick Brown demonstrated remarkable leadership by blocking a shot with his face and scoring the game-winner in overtime in the following series.
The most valuable players throughout this run were Michael DiPietro and Brandon Bussi, who did everything possible to keep the games competitive. Bussi hadn’t played in almost a month but stepped up significantly for the team.
Despite the loss, this was a fantastic season, and I anticipate some exciting battles at training camp for National Hockey League roster spots next season.
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