Sateri, T-Birds Blank Bruins

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Springfield Thunderbirds picked up a second straight preseason win over the Providence Bruins, narrowly escaping with a 1-0 triumph on Saturday at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

 

The Thunderbirds steamrolled through the gates to begin the first period, as Springfield registered the game's first seven shots and prevented Providence from getting a shot on Harri Sateri's goal until the later stages of the frame. Sateri stopped all three offerings that came his way in the first period.

 

Zane McIntyre did his best to hold the fort for the Bruins, making 14 saves in the period, including three in rapid-fire succession on the Thunderbirds' first power play bid. Springfield earned another power play in the period's final minute, and this time they did not let it go by the wayside.

 

After catching up to the puck in the left circle, Curtis Valk fed his fellow former Utica Comet Alex Grenieron the right wing side. Grenier paused and found Maxim Mamin streaking to the top of the goal crease, and the Russian tapped it behind a helpless McIntyre to give Springfield a 1-0 lead with just 7.5 seconds remaining on the first period clock.

 

The second period saw Springfield continue to generate offensive chances, but McIntyre continued to hold down the fort and keep Providence within a goal.

 

At the other end, the Bruins exerted much more offensive pressure, and Sateri was up to the challenge. Among his sterling saves was a sliding glove-hand snatch off a one-time bid by Jesse Gabrielle from the bottom of the right circle. Later in the frame, the Bruins had a shorthanded breakaway, and once again Gabrielle was the shooter. Much like Sam Montembeault the night before, Sateri kept the door closed on the breakaway, kicking away Gabrielle's deke to the forehand.

 

Providence finally drew its first penalty of the night when Eddie Wittchow was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct for spraying snow in the direction of McIntyre in the final minute of the second period.

 

A quiet third period saw the Bruins get one last power play chance in the final five minutes, but Sateri and the Thunderbirds penalty kill stiffened. Springfield was a perfect 8-for-8 on the kill in the two-game set.

 

The Thunderbirds begin the regular season right back in Providence on Saturday, Oct. 7 for a 7:05 p.m. ET puck drop. Coverage can be heard live on NewsRadio 560 WHYN.

 

Springfield will open its 2017-18 home ice schedule on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a matchup with the rival Hartford Wolf Pack; the action begins with a pre-game Block Party from 4-6 p.m. ET at Court Square, featuring live music from Trailer Trash, followed by the game itself at 7:05 p.m. ET.

 

Ticket memberships, including season tickets, are on sale now, starting at just $12 per game. Thunderbirds Full Season Ticket Members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visitwww.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.