T-Birds Visit Isles Before Hosting Utica Wednesday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Thunderbirds (15-7-2-1) hit the ice on Tuesday night on the road as they take on the Bridgeport Islanders (10-14-1-3) to begin a four-game week. 

The Thunderbirds have earned points in each of their first seven meetings with the Islanders this season, going 6-0-1-0 in those contests, including wins in each of the last four contests between the division foes. Springfield will have some reinforcements back in the fold to begin the week with the returns of both Matthew Peca and Alexei Toropchenko from the St. Louis Blues. Peca has tallied five points (3g+2a) in the season series against Bridgeport and leads all Thunderbirds skaters with 10 goals on the season.

In net, Joel Hofer has been superb against Bridgeport in his two starts against the Islanders, posting two victories and allowing just three goals against in that time.

After Tuesday's quick road stop in Bridgeport, the T-Birds return home on Wednesday night for a battle with the AHL's top team, the Utica Comets (18-1-2-0). Puck drop is set for 6:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. The Comets have taken the AHL by storm to start the 2021-22 season after setting the league record with a 13-game win streak to begin the season. Utica's calling card has been their goaltending and team defense, which has allowed a microscopic 1.90 goals against per game, easily the best mark in the AHL. Up front, 10 different Comets skaters have already recorded double-digit point totals this season, paced by defenseman Reilly Walsh's 17 (4g+13a). 

Springfield will look to become just the second team to knock off the Comets in regulation this season. The first team to do so, the Rochester Americans, will be the Thunderbirds' next opponent on the docket for a 2:05 p.m. New Year's Day matinee on Saturday at the MassMutual Center. The busy week concludes with Springfield visiting the Providence Bruins on Sunday for a 3:05 p.m. start at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

For more information on the Springfield Thunderbirds and to order tickets, please visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com. To learn more about becoming a Thunderbirds ticket member, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) to speak to a Thunderbirds representative.