Hofer's Strong Showing Not Enough in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (28-21-2-4) could not solve the Bridgeport Islanders (25-22-7-1) defense on Sunday afternoon at Total Mortgage Arena, falling in a 3-0 shutout defeat, only the T-Birds' second shutout loss of the season.

After having just 11 shots on goal in a 9-0 loss on home ice an evening earlier, the Islanders equaled that total in the first 20 minutes, but could not solve the T-Birds' All-Star netminder Joel Hofer, who denied every attempt, including five shots by Chris Terry.

Jakub Skarek was equally sturdy at the other end of the rink, as he turned aside all nine Springfield attempts he faced in the first frame. Neither team could convert on one power play in each direction in the first.

Neither team had a definitive edge against the other in a middle period where the shot totals were just about even. There were close calls by both teams, as Martin Frk rattled a power-play slapper off the post, while Hofer came up with a pair of in-tight saves off of Arnaud Durandeau and Kyle MacLean on the glove side. For a second time this weekend, Hofer took a 0-0 game into the third period.

It was clear that the difference in the game could come down to a single misplay, and Chris Terry took full advantage at 3:27 of the third, swiping a puck behind the Springfield net and spinning a hard pass in front to Durandeau, who finally solved Hofer to give Bridgeport a 1-0 lead.

The Thunderbirds emptied the offensive tank in the third period with 16 shots in the final 20 minutes, but Skarek had each and every answer to pick up his second shutout of the season and hand the T-Birds their second blank sheet through 60 minutes this weekend. Hofer was saddled with a most unfortunate loss, as he stopped 30 of 31 shots today and 57 of 58 through his two games on the weekend. 

Springfield returns home for three straight games next week, beginning with another battle with the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. inside the MassMutual Center. 

Thunderbirds fans can reserve their seats for upcoming games by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.