By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After a challenging road trip in Canada, the Providence Bruins aimed to bounce back against their division rivals, the Bridgeport Islanders, at home in the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Historically, these teams have had a contentious rivalry. Still, the P-Bruins have had the upper hand this season, winning against the New York Islanders affiliate 3-2 and spoiling their home opener. Both teams have struggled at the start of the season. However, Providence goalie Michael DiPietro is a standout player for the Baby Bruins, who received the start tonight and played a crucial role in tonight’s 3-2 victory.
The Providence Bruins played strongly in the first period but were trailing 1-0 at intermission after a goal from University of Connecticut alum Marc Gatcomb. The goal deflected off two defenders before being tucked under the crossbar. The Bruins outshot their opponents ten to seven and generated numerous chances, but they could not convert them into goals.
The second period was markedly different, as the Baby Bruins again dominated. They capitalized on their power play, scoring back-to-back goals while a player from the opposing team was in the penalty box. Jordan Oesterle opened the scoring with a fantastic wrister, assisted by newcomer Riley Tufte and top prospect Georgii Merkulov.
Shortly after that, the Bruins were awarded another power play, during which Vinni Lettieri fired a shot past Bridgeport’s goaltender, Jakub Skarek, putting Providence ahead 2-1. Merkulov and captain Patrick Brown assisted in this goal. Late in the period, the Baby Bruins took a penalty that carried over into the third period.
At the start of the third period, Marc McLaughlin stripped the Islander defender of the puck and found Jeffrey Viel on a breakaway. Viel scored with a backhand shot top shelf, extending the lead to 3-1 with a shorthanded goal. With six minutes remaining, Bridgeport’s Julien Gauthier was awarded a penalty shot, but Michael DiPietro made a vital save, keeping the score at 3-1. Late in the period, with the net empty, newly assigned defenseman Samuel Bolduc deflected a shot past DiPietro, bringing the score to 3-2. Fortunately, the Bruins maintained possession in the Bridgeport zone for the remainder of the game, securing the victory to kick off their three-game weekend series.
Coach Ryan Mougenel emphasized the importance of playing a “60-minute game.” The P-Bruins have consistently had strong starts but have struggled to maintain pressure throughout the game. However, tonight, they successfully played one of their most complete games of the season. Another challenge the Baby B’s faced this season was their special teams performance, but tonight, they dominated in that area, hopefully signaling a positive change moving forward.
Several storylines were developing ahead of tonight’s game. Newly assigned Max Jones had a solid performance, making impressive plays that indicate he will be a valuable asset for the Bruins. For the third consecutive game, top prospect Fabian Lysell was missing from the lineup due to an injury he sustained against the Belleville Senators last Wednesday. Another top prospect, Georgii Merkulov, showcased his elite vision by recording two assists, bringing his season total to seven points in just ten games. Vinni Lettieri and Jordan Oesterle continued their hot streak, scoring goals in the victory. Lastly, Michael DiPietro made 27 saves on 29 Islander shots.
Both teams face a quick turnaround as they meet again at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The puck drops at 7 PM as the Providence Bruins aim to sweep their weekend series against the Islanders. Assuming goaltender Brandon Bussi gets the start, he will be looking for his first win of the season. If the Bruins perform like they did tonight, they have the potential to defeat any team in the American Hockey League.
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