Wolf Pack Finish Road Trip with 4-0 Loss at Bridgeport
Feb 18, 2018(Photo courtesy of Bridgeport Sound Tigers)
Christopher Gibson stopped 22 shots for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Sunday, to shut out the Wolf Pack, 4-0, at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, in the last of six straight road games for the Wolf Pack.
The Wolf Pack, who had recovered from a 2-0 third-period deficit the night before at Lehigh Valley, to win 3-2 in a shootout, finished the six-game trip 3-3-0-0.
Travis St. Denis scored twice for Bridgeport Sunday, and Steve Bernier had a goal and an assist. Brandon Halverson made 37 saves for the Wolf Pack.
“I thought we had a good first period, both teams exchanged chances back and forth, we were able to get a few chances generated in the offensive zone,” Wolf Pack head coach Keith McCambridge said. “But then we had a couple breakdowns with puck decisions, and it’s in the back of our net. When you come in here having to travel, getting in late, you still have to find ways to recognize what’s going on in the game, and try to get the win.”
After a scoreless first period, Bridgeport outshot the Wolf Pack 17-8 in the second, and scored a pair of goals in the first 6:17 of the session.
Parker Wotherspoon opened the scoring at 2:44, with a good individual effort. The rookie defenseman carried out of his own zone and over the Wolf Pack line, and was able to split the Wolf Pack defense of Brendan Smith and Vince Pedrie, before putting a backhand shot past the catching glove of Halverson.
Bridgeport doubled the lead just 3:33 later, at 6:17, on St. Denis’ 12th goal of the season. Kane Lafranchise backhanded the puck into the slot from the right circle, and St. Denis got his stick free to sweep it inside the goal post to Halverson’s right.
The score remained 2-0 for more than a full period, until Bernier effectively put the game out of reach with a goal at 13:52 of the third. After the Wolf Pack had some strong offensive-zone pressure, Andre Benoit was able to push the puck out of the Sound Tiger end, and Bernier had a lane into the Wolf Pack zone down the right side. He fired a snap shot that found its way under Halverson’s right arm.
St. Denis’ second goal of the game, at 16:35, created the final margin. Halverson was on his way to the bench, for an extra attacker, when Bernier and St. Denis broke to center ice on a 2-on-1, and Halverson had to reverse his field. He never got completely set in the goal crease, and St. Denis one-timed Bernier’s pass into the net from the right circle.
The Wolf Pack return home to the XL Center this Friday, February 23 for a 7:15 PM contest vs. the Hershey Bears. As at all Friday-night Wolf Pack home games, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $2 beers through the start of the second period, presented by Dave & Buster’s.
Tickets for all Wolf Pack 2017-18 home games are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.
Season ticket information for the Wolf Pack’s 2017-18 AHL season can be found on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com. To speak with a representative about all of the Wolf Pack’s many attractive ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451.
Hartford Wolf Pack 0 at Bridgeport Sound Tigers 4
Sunday, February 18, 2018 - Webster Bank Arena
Hartford 0 0 0 - 0
Bridgeport 0 2 2 - 4
1st Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Bourque Bri (tripping), 10:06; Labrie Hfd (cross-checking), 19:22.
2nd Period-1, Bridgeport, Wotherspoon 3 (Bailey, B. Holmstrom), 2:44. 2, Bridgeport, St. Denis 12 (Lafranchise, Bourque), 6:17. Penalties-Lettieri Hfd (high-sticking), 8:44.
3rd Period-3, Bridgeport, Bernier 13 (Benoit), 13:52. 4, Bridgeport, St. Denis 13 (Bernier, Bourque), 16:35. Penalties-Bergin Hfd (holding), 7:15.
Shots on Goal-Hartford 7-8-7-22. Bridgeport 8-17-16-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Hartford 0 / 1; Bridgeport 0 / 3.
Goalies-Hartford, Halverson 1-3-0 (41 shots-37 saves). Bridgeport, Gibson 18-11-3 (22 shots-22 saves).
A-5,001
Referees-Cameron Voss (41), Ben O'Quinn (27).
Linesmen-Nick Briganti (58), John Kiriakos (23).