T-Birds Weekly: Nov. 1
Nov 3, 2016Saturdays are For the "OT"-Birds
Before another crowd of more than 6,000 fans at the MassMutual Center, a second straight Saturday night tilt for the T-Birds required more than 60 minutes to determine the outcome. Adding to the Saturday parallels, Springfield once again found itself trailing halfway through the third period.
However, this Thunderbirds team refused to waver, as Paul Thompson tied the score on a power play with less than ten minutes to go in regulation. The tying goal was only Springfield's third power play tally of the season, but it came at the biggest moment of regulation. At the other end, Thunderbirds goaltender Mike McKenna held the potent Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins offense to just one goal through 60 minutes as the game moved to extra time deadlocked 1-1.
From there, Chase Balisy took his spot in the limelight for the second straight Saturday. After setting up MacKenzie Weegar's overtime winner on Oct. 22, the former Western Michigan star found himself all alone on a breakaway from the red line in. With the game on his tape, Balisy faked out Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry and slid a subtle backhander around the pad to give Springfield its second straight win over the Penguins in the season series.
Brick-Wall Berra Blanks Second Opponent
(Photo Courtesy Jon Tenca/Puck Stopper Photography)
For a brief moment on Friday night, Reto Berra showed he was human, as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers handed the 6-foot-4 netminder his first loss of the season with a 5-1 defeat of the Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center.
However, just as quickly on Sunday afternoon in Bridgeport at Webster Bank Arena, Berra reverted back to his brick wall ways. After Juho Lammikko scored the opening goal midway through the first period, the game became a defensively dominant display. As the Thunderbirds carried that narrow 1-0 lead into the game's final five minutes, Berra and the Springfield penalty killers received a staunch test in the form of a two-man disadvantage for 1:14. With less than four minutes left in the game, the Thunderbirds and Berra dug in and would not give the Sound Tigers any daylight, killing the penalties and eventually picking up the 2-0 win on Logan Shaw's empty net goal in the final moments.
Berra improved his record to 3-1-0 by virtue of his second shutout of the season and 28 stops. Berra joins Toronto's Antoine Bibeau as the only AHL goaltenders with multiple shutouts in the month of October. The native of Switzerland has sparkling season marks in the forms of a 1.50 goals against average and .939 save percentage.
This Friday night, you can let your voice be heard in the first-ever T-Birds Bobble Election at the MassMutual Center. Upon entry, you will receive your choice of a Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump bobble figurine, each outfitted in T-Birds gear, while supplies last.
The first figurine to run out of stock will be declared the winner of the inaugural Bobble Election.
Bobble Election is not the only notable happening on Friday; be sure to arrive early to park for free at the Civic Center garage, and then enjoy the Pregame Concert Series, presented by MGM Springfield. This week's featured act is John & Christine Cantalini.
The night continues with the second installment of $1 Night, with hot dogs, sodas, and popcorn on sale for just $1 each through the start of second period action. For tickets, click the banner above or call (413) 739-GOAL (4625).
The Thunderbirds are pleased to introduce the Friendly's Sundae Funday special for families, which will debut this Sunday, Nov. 6 as Springfield hosts the Binghamton Senators at 5:05 p.m. ET.
Starting at just $44, special packages include tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, and Friendly's Sundae Coupons redeemable at participating Friendly's restaurants.
Click the banner to purchase yours today!