T-Birds Look For Bounce-Back @ Bruins

Providence, RI – The Springfield Thunderbirds (19-22-1-1) will look to start a new winning streak on Sunday afternoon when they pay a visit to the Providence Bruins (23-13-3-1) at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Puck drop is set for 3:05 p.m. ET.

 

The Thunderbirds appeared to be poised in the opening period on Friday night against the Binghamton Devils, racing out to a 3-0 lead behind Alex Grenier's SportsCenter top play winner of a backhand, as well as an assist. Juho Lammikko (1g, 1a) and Maxim Mamin (2 assists) also had multiple points in a first period that also saw Chase Balisy score for Springfield.

 

However, much unlike the first five games of the Thunderbirds' winning streak, Springfield's offense went quiet in the second and third periods, as Mackenzie Blackwood shook off some early struggles to finish the night with 31 stops for Binghamton. At the other end, Sam Montembeault did not have his best stuff, allowing three goals on the first 11 shots he saw before being relieved by Evan Cowley. Cowley stopped 18 of 20 shots in relief.

 

The last-place Devils erased their five-game losing skid with five unanswered goals, including pairs of tallies from defenseman Michael Kapla and forward Kevin Rooney. Veteran Bracken Kearns picked up three assists as well for a Binghamton offense that had just four goals in the last three games entering Friday night's play.

 

Springfield gets another chance to earn a victory in Providence after coming away with a 5-2 victory on Jan. 14 behind a 34-save performance by Cowley. Dryden Hunt scored twice in that victory, while Mamin added a goal and a helper.

 

The Bruins' offense has had a tough time of late, scoring just five goals in their last three games. Providence did snap the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' nine-game winning streak on Friday night inside the Dunkin' Donuts Center with a 1-0 win on a third period goal from captain Tommy Cross.

 

Providence has lost seven of its last ten games to fall out of first place in the Atlantic Division. Their loss to the Thunderbirds last Sunday was just their second to Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in the history of the series.

 

Springfield has a quieter weekend slate after the loss to the Devils, as they will take Saturday off before visiting the Providence Bruins on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

 

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.