By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18
The Providence Bruins split their first two 2026 Calder Cup Playoff games at home against the Springfield Thunderbirds to begin the best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The scene shifted to Springfield for the next two games. Providence needed to carry its momentum over from the Game 2 win into Game 3 on the road, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Springfield defeated Providence 3-2 in overtime at MassMutual Center in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. It was the third consecutive one-goal game in the series. While it would be a thrilling game, it would end in heartbreak for Providence.
First Period
Providence had a ton of pressure and quality scoring chances to score against Springfield goaltender Georgi Romanov throughout the entire period, finishing the period with 17 shots on goal. However, Springfield got the first goal of the game with 3:17 remaining in the period thanks to defenseman Calle Rosen. It was the first time Providence allowed Springfield to score the first goal of a game in the series.
However, Providence’s offensive pressure paid off at the end of the period. Forty-four seconds after Rosen’s goal, Providence forward Matthew Poitras tied the game at one. Then, with under 45 seconds remaining in the period, Springfield’s Dillon Dube was called for a tripping penalty. In the final seconds of the period, forward Riley Tufte scored a power play goal to give Providence a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
Second Period
Springfield was more aggressive offensively in the second period, and Rosen capitalized, scoring his second goal of the game at 4:13 in the period to tie the game at two. Providence goaltender Michael DiPietro made crucial saves to keep the game tied after Rosen’s goal, and he finished the period making ten saves. Both Providence and Springfield had one power play opportunity in the period, but failed to score. Providence and Springfield were tied at two heading into the second intermission.
Third Period
Providence and Springfield each had quality chances to take the lead in the third period. However, Romanov made a few big saves on odd-man rushes against Providence, and DiPietro made big saves at the other end. Springfield had a golden chance to take the lead when Providence defenseman Ty Gallagher was called for a tripping penalty with 5:24 remaining in regulation. However, Springfield couldn’t score. After 60 minutes, overtime would be needed to determine a winner for the first time in the series. Providence outshot Springfield 33-32 in regulation.
Overtime
Before Game 3, Springfield had played in one overtime game earlier in round one of the playoffs, winning Game 3 by a final score of 2-1 against the Charlotte Checkers. More overtime magic from Springfield happened in another Game 3 this time around.
At 3:45 into overtime, Zach Dean scored against DiPietro to help Springfield win the game. Although Dean’s goal was reviewed, it would count. Springfield is now 2-0 in the playoffs in overtime, and the loss puts Providence in desperation.
Game 4 of the series will remain at MassMutual Center this Thursday night, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Providence has to win Game 4 to force the series back at Amica Mutual Pavilion for a Game 5 in Rhode Island. If Springfield wins, Providence is eliminated from the playoffs after clinching the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy this season.
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