Sound Tigers prevail in O.T.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (16-7-0-0), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, remained perfect in overtime this season when Devon Toews scored the game-winning goal on an odd-man rush en route to a 4-3 victory over the Binghamton Senators (7-14-2-1) at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday.

With the win, the Sound Tigers improved to 7-0-0-0 beyond regulation and 6-0-0-0 against North Division teams. Bridgeport is also 3-0-0-0 against Binghamton this season.

In addition to Toews, Andrew Rowe scored twice and Josh Holmstrom tallied his second goal of the season, while Eamon McAdam made 30 saves and is now 7-0-0-0 through his first seven starts in 2016-17.

BOX SCORE

Binghamton struck first at 9:05 of the opening frame with a power-play goal from Jack Rodewald, his fourth tally of the season overall. With Kyle Burroughs in the box serving a hooking minor, Chris Rumble received a cross-ice pass from Macoy Erkamps at the left point. Rumble didn’t hesitate in sending a slap pass to the right hash marks, where Rodewald pushed it home past McAdam’s left leg pad.

The Sound Tigers responded at 3:34 of the middle frame courtesy of Rowe’s second goal of the season. From the left wing, Stephen Gionta directed a pass to the slot where Rowe turned and crushed a one-timer past goaltender Chris Driedger’s glove to even the score. Ross Johnson also picked up a helper.

Less than six minutes later, Patrick Sieloff regained the Senators’ advantage with his second goal of the year. Max McCormick created the chance with a pass to Ben Harpur in the left corner, where the defenseman quickly slipped a diagonal feed to Sieloff at the top of the right circle. Sieloff found himself alone and fired a quick wrist shot off of McAdam’s glove and in to make it 2-1 at the 8:48 mark.

Bridgeport again answered with a pair of third-period goals to take its first lead of the game. Rowe tied the contest just 1:11 in when he finished a second-chance effort created by Johnston’s shot from the point. From the blue line, Johnston fired a blast that caught defenseman Chris Rumble in front, allowing the puck to bounce into the right circle. There, Rowe settled the puck a wristed a shot just under Driedger’s blocker for his first multi-goal game of the season.

Holmstrom made it 3-2 with a snap shot from the left circle that deflected off a defenseman and trickled past Driedger for his second goal of the season. It was an unassisted tally at the 13:50 mark.

Nick Paul forced overtime and earned the extra point for the B-Sens with the game-tying goal in the final two minutes of regulation. With Driedger on the bench and the extra attacker on, Jason Akeson set up at the top of the point and orchestrated the ensuing play. He found Casey Bailey on the left wing who immediately sent a pass across for Paul, where the latter forced a one-time shot past McAdam’s glove to tie the game. Paul now has two goals this season – both against the Sound Tigers.

In overtime, Toews sealed Bridgeport’s eighth road win of the season (8-3-0-0) with 90 seconds remaining. He set up a 2-on-1 rush with Gionta down the right wing, but kept the puck the entire way and slid a backhand shot past Dridger from the circle.

Bridgeport finished the game 0-for-1 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. Driedger (3-3-2) made 18 saves in the Senators’ loss. Binghamton led the shot count 33-22.

Kids Free Day: The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena tomorrow for Kids Free Day at 5 p.m. against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. All kids 12 and younger can get into the game free with the purchase of a fully priced adult ticket at the Webster Bank Arena Click It or Ticket Box Office. In addition, receive $2.00 off your game ticket at the box office when showing your AAA Membership Card.

Marvel Night: Meet Captain America , Iron Man, Thor, and Spider Man at “Marvel Night” on Monday, Dec. 26th when the Sound Tigers battle their in-state rivals, the Hartford Wolf Pack, at 7 p.m. These popular characters will be available for pictures on the concourse with fans of all ages. A special Marvel package is also available for only $25! The package includes access to the game, a hot dog-chips-soda combo voucher and an official Storm superhero t-shirt! Call 203-345-2300 Option 7 to purchase or ORDER ONLINE NOW (use promo code MARVEL).

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.