In the encounter between the Bridgeport Islanders (8-17-2-0), the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, and the Providence Bruins (15-12-2-2) at the Total Mortgage Arena, a plethora of goal-scoring diversity unfolded, resulting in a 5-4 loss for the Islanders.
Karson Kuhlman, Dennis Cholowski, Brian Pinho, and Robin Salo all contributed to the scoring spectacle. Jakub Skarek (3-13-2) defended the net valiantly, facing 17 shots before Ken Appleby took charge during the third period. Notably, Kuhlman’s goal during the second period stood out as a highlight-reel maneuver, navigating through traffic to secure a mesmerizing goal.
Despite outshooting the Bruins 37-25, the Islanders found themselves with a 1-5-0-0 record against Providence this season.
The Bruins initiated the scoring 14:52 into the game, as Georgii Merkulov unleashed a shot from the right circle, notching his 14th goal of the season. Assists were credited to Justin Brazeau and Alec Regula.
A swift response from the Islanders came three minutes later, with Pinho seizing a rebound in the slot and beating Brandon Bussi. Ruslan Iskhakov’s shot set up the rebound opportunity, earning him the assist for the tying goal.
A pivotal moment unfolded 6:22 into the second period when Kuhlman executed a one-on-one play against Bruins defenseman Dan Renouf. Deftly maneuvering around Renouf, Kuhlman went down to one knee, delivering a backhand shot that showcased the essence of a highlight-worthy goal.
Providence retaliated approximately three minutes later, with Michael Callahan finding the net from the right circle for his first goal of the season. The Bruins reclaimed the lead on the power play, securing a 3-2 advantage with 6:40 remaining in the second period. Anthony Richard’s one-timer from the right circle, facilitated by John Farinacci and Frederic Brunet, defined the go-ahead goal.
Cholowski swiftly leveled the score for Bridgeport just 26 seconds later, launching a high-rising shot from the blue line. Tyce Thompson and Vincent Sevigny contributed the assists, culminating in a high-scoring second period.
The Bruins secured the lead early in the third period, as Callahan’s shot from the blue line eluded Skarek for his second goal of the game. Richard and Merkulov notched assists, earning their second points of the game.
Richard extended the Bruins’ lead 10:15 into the third, capitalizing on a short-handed two-on-one opportunity with a precise shot from the right circle.
Salo narrowed the Islanders’ deficit to one with 1:22 remaining in the game, as his shot from the point navigated through traffic and found its way past Bussi. Kyle MacLean and Cole Bardreau contributed to the tally.
Noteworthy AHL season debuts were made by Jacob Pivonka and Trevor Cosgrove for the Islanders, having been recalled from the Worcester Railers (ECHL) earlier in the day.
Looking ahead, the Islanders will resume their journey on Friday night, facing the Springfield Thunderbirds at MassMutual Center. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 pm, and the game can be witnessed live on AHLTV.com or heard via the Bridgeport Islanders Radio Network.