Rapid Recap: Bridgeport Shot at Will, But Fall 3-1 to Providence

Providence, RI- The Bridgeport Islanders opened up their season on the road in Rhode Island against the Providence Bruins. Despite racking up 43 shots on goal, the result was a 3-1 loss.

Here’s your Rapid Recap:

SCORING

The Bruins scored three goals in first including a pair of back-to-back goals about a minute apart from each other.

The goal scorers were Georgii Merkulov (13:59), Fabian Lysell (15:29) and former New York Islanders forward Chris Wagner (16:03).

In the second, Bridgeport got lucky after a Bruins goal was waived off by the referees for goaltender interference.

The goal was reviewed and the call stood as no goal.

The Islanders were able to get on the board in the second period with a goal by Jeff Kubiak.

JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THIS GOAL! pic.twitter.com/ir3BILmhMl

— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) October 15, 2022

ISLANDERS TAKEAWAYS

The Bridgeport Islanders showed off their forecheck and aggressiveness along the boards in the first, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

However, Jakub Skarek made a phenomenal Sportscenter quality save in the first while he and Bridgeport were on the penalty kill.

What a save 😳 Providence is in awe as Skarek makes a great save. This is some @SportsCenter quality save content. pic.twitter.com/cA3ux45ZOt

— Joshua Linsenberg (@JoshLinsenberg) October 14, 2022

Also, Aatu Räty had a great opportunity on the penalty kill in the first frame.

Raty is looking solid right now. He just had a breakaway on the PK after intercepting the puck near center ice/ the blue line. Kinkaid gets the save though.

— Joshua Linsenberg (@JoshLinsenberg) October 14, 2022

Räty had three shots on goal in the loss.

Bridgeport was able to catch up in shots on goal with 13 to give them the edge 25 to 23 in SOG overall at the end of the second.

The third period was mostly quiet for both teams and Bridgeport was able to hold the fort down when Skarek was called to the bench for the extra attacker with about two minutes left to play.

Bridgeport, despite no goals, outshot Providence 19-8 in the final twenty.

Penalties were an issue for Bridgeport tonight with five in the first two periods but the Islanders preserved and killed every penalty thrown their way.

Seth Helgesson led Bridgeport in penalties with a cross-checking minor in the first and a hooking minor penalty in the second.

William Dufour made his AHL debut tonight and he came ready to play.

The Bridgeport Islanders rookie finished with seven shots, second on the team in game one behind former 2021-22 leading goal scorer for Bridgeport Chris Terry (8).

Dufour skated on a line with Simon Holmstrom and Aatu Räty.