Sound Tigers Weekend: Baby Penguins, Dylan Reese on the Menu

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers haven't played since Saturday, and they have just one game on the schedule this weekend.

In playing visitor for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins home opener, Colin McDonald and Brandon DeFazio face their old team, while their new teammates greet old friend Dylan Reese, who signed with the Pens in the offseason. One-time Isle Trevor Smith is also a Penguin.

Things to Watch:

The most significant development from practice thus far may be the swap of Mike Halmo for Brett Gallant, a move that would insert Halmo's more offensive element if it sticks for the game.

Otherwise ... does Anders Nilsson get the game after missing out on a start last weekend? And who are the blueline scratches? And can we make it through a Bridgeport post without mentioning Kirill Kabanov? (Not yet, evidently.)

Other news and links to get you caught up:

Jason Clark had an interesting week - in for Casey Cizikas between McDonald and Nino Niederreiter when Cizikas was sick, then on the ice for a special solo skate to adjust his "itinerary."

Michael Fornabaio in the Connecticut Post had more on why Matt Donovan was scratched. Also, here was Fornabaio's Tuesday chat.

Homecomings: They may have the proverbial "stench of Penguin" on them, but McDonald and DeFazio each represent interesting additions. Here's an official site bit on both of them, here's more on McDonald's quest for a shot at the NHL, and here's more on DeFazio's two-goal start with the Sound Tigers.

Here's head coach Scott Pellerin on special teams, including a simple concept regarding the powerplay:

"The biggest thing we talked about on the power play was that you want to create as many attempts on the net as possible, because you want to be able to converge and outnumber them around the puck," Pellerin said. "It’s a simple concept but it’s something where you can get off track because you’re trying to make too many specific plays."

Of course, the Pens are feeling good about their PK too.

Finally, on the nice side: The NHL may be dormant -- although hey, Pierre LeBrun says don't give up hope amid the obligatory posturing -- but donating blood is still crucial. The Isles will run a blood drive at the Coliseum Saturday, with ticket vouchers and a team store discount as the incentive. (Beyond the incentive of helping save a life, of course.)