By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After a challenging weekend that resulted in one win and one loss for the Providence Bruins, the team is eager to get back on track as they face the Syracuse Crunch in a home-and-home series. This matchup is a refreshing change from their usual local rivals, as it marks the first time the Bruins will compete against the Crunch this season. The Baby Bruins will travel to the Upstate Medical Arena in Syracuse on Wednesday. Following this game, Providence will have a few days off before returning to the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Saturday to conclude the series at home.
In the short history of matchups between these teams, the Syracuse Crunch has had an advantage over the Providence Bruins. Since their first encounter in 2014, the Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate has recorded a 16-8-0 record against the Bruins, with the most recent game ending in a decisive 4-0 victory for Syracuse. Last season, the Crunch swept the season series against the Baby Bruins and are currently on a four-game winning streak.
The last time the Providence Bruins defeated Syracuse was March 15, 2023, with a score of 4-2. Very few players from that 2022-2023 Providence squad remain on the team today. Notably, Georgii Merkulov scored two goals in that victory, and Fabian Lysell sealed the win by sneaking past the defense and scoring against Crunch goalie Hugo Alnefelt. Both Merkulov and Lysell are still on the team.
This season has been challenging for Syracuse as they work to find their rhythm. Currently, the team is in fifth place in the North Division and needs points. So far in January, the Crunch has a record of three wins, two losses, and one overtime loss (3-2-1). If Syracuse has a successful weekend, they could move to third place in the North Division.
The Providence Bruins have had a tough start to the new year, with a record of one win, two losses, and one overtime loss (1-2-1). In their last game against the Springfield Thunderbirds, they struggled significantly, as Springfield scored two goals before the Bruins managed to register a single shot on goal. One positive takeaway is that the P-Bruins received scoring contributions from players throughout the lineup and made a strong push toward the end of the game. However, they ultimately could not complete the comeback.
Goaltending has traditionally been a strong point for the Providence Bruins, with Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro as their goaltending tandem. Bussi is a former American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star, and DiPietro is currently an AHL All-Star. This weekend, we may witness a potential goalie duel at the All-Star Game, as Crunch netminder Brandon Halverson has also been named to the North All-Star team. Syracuse is likely to face both of the P-Bruins goaltenders, while Providence is expected to see Halverson twice since the Crunch will be playing in Bridgeport on Friday, with Matt Tomkins projected as the starter for that game.
Providence now faces the challenge of adjusting its lineup without its top player, Vinni Lettieri, who has just been called up to Boston. This past weekend, Lettieri tallied two goals and one assist, bringing his season total to 35 points, placing him among the top three in the AHL. He also leads the team with 14 goals and has contributed to the power play. Further more, Matthew Poitras will also be unavailable to play due to his recent callup leaving the top line and power play in shambles. Coach Ryan Mougenel will have his work cut out for him as he manages these lineup changes as they look to sweep the series for the first time in the new year.
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