T-Birds Host Bridgeport for Rematch Friday

Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds (19-24-1-1) will look to snap a three-game slide in a rematch with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (21-15-4-2) on Friday night at the MassMutual Center for a 7:05 p.m. start.

 

In the two teams' meeting on Wednesday night at the Webster Bank Arena, the Sound Tigers scored once in each period while receiving a 19-save performance from Kristers Gudlevskis en route to their third win at home against Springfield. The home team has won each of the first six matchups in the season series, with four of the six contests being decided by a single goal.

 

Springfield saw its franchise-worst 133:34 goal drought end on a power play tally by Anthony Greco at 10:34 of the second period, but the Thunderbirds power play continued to scuffle, failing on five of six chances in the loss to Bridgeport.

 

The Sound Tigers catapulted themselves to victory on rare goals from John Stevens on a mini-breakaway in the first and a backhander in tight from Josh Holmstrom in the third. Travis St. Denis also scored for Bridgeport in the 3-1 win.

 

At the other end, Evan Cowley was thrust into starting goaltending duty after the call-up of Sam Montembeault to the Florida Panthers. Cowley stopped 21 Sound Tiger shots, but fell to 2-3-0-0 on the season. At the other end, Gudlevskis improved to 2-0 in his two starts against Springfield, where the Latvian goaltender has allowed just two goals in those games.

 

Springfield will pick up one key piece for the first time this season with the loan of Ian McCoshen from the Florida Panthers on Thursday. The 22-year-old defenseman led the T-Birds with a +23 rating in 68 games a season ago. McCoshen has played in 29 NHL games this season, logging three goals in that time.

 

Springfield enters play on Friday night eight points behind Bridgeport in the Atlantic Division standings, and the two clubs will not have to wait long before meeting once again on Feb. 2 at the Webster Bank Arena. The T-Birds' final game before the AHL All-Star Classic will come on Saturday night against the Providence Bruins at 7:05 p.m. ET.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Ticket Memberships. Packages include a wide range of benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.