Sound Tigers smoked by Penguins 7-1
Toews scores lone goal in setback to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday
BRIDGEPORT - Devon Toews scored his second goal in as many nights on Saturday, but the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (6-4-0-0) suffered a 7-1 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (7-1-1-0) at Webster Bank Arena.
Jake Guentzel led the way for the visitors with a career-high four points (2g, 2a), snapping Bridgeport’s two-game winning streak.
The Penguins opened the scoring early with two goals in the first 4:40 to take a 2-0 advantage. The first came at the 1:22 mark when Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forced a turnover in the Sound Tigers defensive zone. The puck landed on the stick of Guentzel, who backhanded a shot between the leg pads of Stephon Williams. Just over three minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead with Reid Gardiner’s first professional goal. Steve Oleksy threw the puck on goal from the perimeter and Gardiner capitalized on the rebound at 4:40 of the first.
The Sound Tigers got one back when Kellen Jones wristed a shot at goaltender Casey DeSmith, who kicked it back but left the rebound in the slot. Toews capitalized on the second chance and hammered the puck high glove side for his second goal of the season at 7:51.
The Penguins regained their two-goal lead with the first of five unanswered goals. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton captain Tom Kostopoulos made it 3-1 at 13:19 of the opening frame on a slap shot over Williams’ glove. The Penguins then extended their lead to 4-1 on a power-play goal from Carter Rowney with less than a minute remaining. From the right circle, Rowney called for the puck and sent a one-time slap shot past Williams for his third of the season.
Less than two minutes into the second, the Penguins added to their three-goal lead on a redirection from Guentzel. The rookie notched his second goal of the game at 1:50 against goaltender Christopher Gibson, who relieved Williams to start the middle frame. Nearly 10 minutes later, Garrett Wilson was awarded a penalty shot when he was brought down on a breakaway. The sixth-year forward capitalized by going high blocker side on Gibson at 11:49 to make it 6-1.
Steve Oleksy capped the scoring at 1:17 of third period when he notched a power-play goal on a one-timer from the right point for his first goal of the season with Williams back in net for the Sound Tigers.
The Sound Tigers finished the game 0-for-1 on the power play, and 2-for-4 on the penalty kill. Williams (0-4-0) made 14 saves on 19 shots in 39:45 of playing time, while Gibson stopped nine of the 11 shots he faced in 20 minutes of work.
DeSmith (3-0-0) earned the win with 28 saves on 29 shots. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton outshot Bridgeport 30-29 in the loss. It was the first time the Sound Tigers were outshot since October 16th against Springfield.
Next Time Out: The Sound Tigers open a three-game road trip on Friday with their first trip to Syracuse, NY this season to face the Syracuse Crunch at 7 p.m. Fans can follow all of the action online via AHLlive.com.
Hockey and Hops: The Sound Tigers are combining hockey and hops on Saturday, November 25th when the team battles Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at 7 p.m. Try the area’s best craft beers before the game with a special ticket package that night only. Get access to the game, the pre-game beer tasting party and a souvenir Sound Tigers beer tasting glass for just $25.
For additional details or to reserve seats for any of the 2016-17 giveaway and theme nights, please call the Sound Tigers’ front office at (203) 345-2300.
Executive suites and premium seat packages are also available by calling the team’s front office at (203) 345-4841. If you are interested in group outings with your friends, family, co-workers, or clients an unforgettable experience at a discounted rate, call the group sales hotline at (203) 345-2300 Ext. 7.
About the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com. Keep up with the latest Sound Tigers news on Facebook and on Twitter. For more team information, log on to soundtigers.com.
