Sound Tigers weekly report

BRIDGEPORT - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (26-16-1-1) returned from their All-Star break last weekend with a two-game split at Webster Bank Arena, placing the club in a virtual tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Division standings. The Sound Tigers closed in on a franchise record following Friday’s victory over the Rochester Americans, but fell to the Springfield Thunderbirds on Saturday.

The Sound Tigers have amassed 54 points in 44 games this season (.614 win percentage), almost dead even with the Hershey Bears’ 58 points in 47 contests (.617 win percentage). The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (34-10-3-0) continue to pace the Atlantic Division and the American Hockey League overall with 71 points in 47 games.

On Friday, Bridgeport recorded its eighth consecutive victory with a 3-2 win over Rochester. Tanner Fritz, Josh Ho-Sang and Ryan Pulock each tallied a second-period goal, while Jaroslav Halak (7-1-2) made 25 saves to earn his sixth straight win. Ho-Sang led the offense with two points (one goal, one assist), extending his point streak to three games. The Sound Tigers’ win streak was tied for the fourth longest in franchise history, and was the fourth time the club has ever reached that mark. The other three were: Nov. 3 - 23, 2001; Jan. 2 - 21, 2012; Jan. 20 - Feb. 13, 2016.

The Thunderbirds busted Bridgeport’s streak on Saturday as the Sound Tigers suffered their first loss since Jan. 14 in a 5-2 setback. Springfield’s Kyle Rau stole the show with the first hat trick in franchise history, while Fritz and Kyle Burroughs each scored for the Sound Tigers. The loss also snapped Bridgeport’s six-game win streak at home.

The Sound Tigers and Thunderbirds will rematch at 7 p.m. tomorrow night, concluding Bridgeport’s season-long eight-game homestand. It also begins a busy four-game week for the Sound Tigers, who will face the Providence Bruins in a home-and-home series on Friday and Saturday before wrapping up the weekend against Hershey on Sunday. Fans can follow all of the live action via the team’s online broadcast at www.ahllive.com.

The week ahead:

*Bridgeport vs. Springfield T-Birds (17-20-6-2) – Tues, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Bridgeport at Providence Bruins (26-12-5-3) – Fri, Feb. 10 at 7:05 p.m.

**Bridgeport vs. Providence Bruins (26-12-5-3) – Sat, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Bridgeport vs. Hershey Bears (24-13-7-3) – Sun, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m.

News and Notes:

Fritz Heating Up: Ohio State University product Tanner Fritz has scored in back-to-back games for the third time this season and will look for his first professional three-game goal streak tomorrow night. The second-year pro currently ranks third on the Sound Tigers in goals (13) and fifth in points (26) this season.

Crossing #100: New York Islanders prospect Kyle Burroughs is scheduled to play his 100th professional game this Saturday against Providence. The second-year defenseman scored his first goal of the season last Saturday and is now on a team-best three-game point streak (one goal, two assists). In addition, Burroughs is second among Sound Tigers’ defensemen with 11 assists this year. He has 29 points (four goals, 25 assists) in 97 pro games since his debut on Apr. 1, 2014 against Springfield.

Commanding the Crease: Veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak has started six of Bridgeport’s last eight games dating back to Jan. 20. During that span, the 31-year-old is 6-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against-average and .927 save percentage. Halak, a 2015 NHL All-Star, has also allowed just two goals or less in each of his last four starts.

Quick Hits : Steve Bernier is tied for third in the league with nine power-play goals and ranks fifth in shooting percentage (25.4-percent)… Travis St. Denis leads the Sound Tigers with four game-winning goals, which also places him in a tie for the league lead among rookies… Devon Toews is tied for second among AHL rookies with 23 assists and tied for 12th among league defensemen with 27 points… The Sound Tigers are 22-4-0-0 when scoring first this season.

Affiliate Report

The New York Islanders (22-18-10) earned three points in three games last week, headlined by a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals last Tuesday. The club also logged one point in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and suffered a 5-4 setback to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Former Sound Tigers Anders Lee (one goal, three assists), Ryan Strome (one goal, three assists), Josh Bailey (two goals, one assist) and Brock Nelson (one goal, two assists) all contributed at least three points on the week. The Islanders are 12th in the Eastern Conference with 54 points in 50 games. They return to action tonight with a 7 p.m. matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclays Center.

The ECHL’s Missouri Mavericks (20-17-6-2) have won five of their last six games including a wild 7-6 overtime victory over the Wichita Thunder last Saturday. Former Sound Tiger Matt Finn scored the game-winner at 1:29 of the extra frame, capping a three-point performance (one goal, two assists). Finn leads all Mavericks’ defensemen in goals (6), assists (16) and points (22). Meanwhile, former Sound Tiger Carter Verhaeghe continued his dominance with two assists, extending his scoring streak to 14 games. He has recorded 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 15 ECHL games this season and has 11 multi-point contests during that span. Missouri returns to action tomorrow with an 8:05 p.m. matchup against Wichita in Independence, MO.

*Hockey Happy Hour: Take advantage of $1 hot dogs and $5 beers (for those 21 and older) at all first floor concession stands tomorrow night presented by Hummel Bros. In addition, receive $2 off your game ticket at the Webster Bank Arena Click It Or Ticket Box Office when you show your AAA Membership Card. Doors open at 6 p.m.

**Pink in the Rink: The Sound Tigers will honor and pay tribute to those affected by breast cancer at this Saturday’s game against Providence. Many breast cancer survivors will be recognized throughout the night and the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Pink in the Rink rally towel. In addition, a special wine tasting event will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Webster Bank Arena, benefiting the American Cancer Society and Cancer Couch Foundation. The pre-game event includes access to the tasting party, a ticket to the game and a souvenir Sound Tigers tasting glass. Players and their families will also be putting together baskets to raffle off on the concourse with proceeds going back those charities. Click here for more information. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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.