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With Kirill Kabanov out thanks to wrist surgery, Jason Clark saw his first official pro action as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers took the bonus point via a shootout win (3*-2) in Springfield. David Ullstrom, working some judgmental backhand magic, got the clincher in extra rounds.
The real story though, to hear many tell it, was the goaltending display by both top Islanders prospect Kevin Poulin and Springfield's Paul Dainton. Each topped well over 30 saves, with Bridgeport outshooting the Falcons 39-34.
Nino Niederreiter scored for the fourth time in five games (he now has seven in 11 career AHL games), and Brandon DeFazio nicked his third of the season (garnering a cheer from Kabanov) in Ullström's place on the powerplay.
The Sound Tigers are back at it again this afternoon for a rematch with Friday's victor, Worcester. Look for game audio at WTAG, or on Sirius/XM's NHL channel. The Baby Sharks followed up their 5-1 trouncing of Bridgeport Friday by getting trounced 5-1 by Manchester.
Other pertinent links:
- Game summary
- Fornabaio's blog, with quotes from Clark on his debut, Ullström, Poulin and coach Scott Pellerin
- The game recap in the Post
- Worcester rematch: Check here for game audio today
It was Clark's pro debut, but it was also Sean Backman's first game of the season. I'd expect to see him in more often than not.
If you're monitoring today's rematch in Worcester, feel free to chime in here.
Highlights (not many) from Friday Night