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The Bridgeport Sound Tigers host the Norfolk Admirals Springfield Falcons {sorry, brain fart on opponent's name} tonight, with a few story lines of interest to even AHL-averting Islanders fans. Namely:
- Last time these two teams met Feb. 22, a line brawl ensued, with the Falcons targeting Bridgeport's top line. [Highlights embedded below.]
- The Sound Tigers are down in 12th in the East, seven points out of a playoff spot with several teams in their way. They have Johan Sundstrom and John Persson back healthy, but they have major work to do.
- Rick DiPietro, expected to start tonight, is 2-2-0 since his demotion. The Sound Tigers are focused on reducing shots overall.
- Recently demoted David Ullstrom returns to the Sound Tigers for the first time since the lockout.
- Ullström's "loan" combined with Michael Grabner's shoulder injury means ... potential for a callup. To that end, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports that GM Garth Snow is headed to the game and will "evaluate for a possible callup." No pressure, kids.
Here are highlights from the last Falcons-Sound Tigers meeting. The fracas action begins a little before the 3:00 mark:
If you're watching, attending or monitoring tonight, leave your observations (and links) in this thread.
On that note, there are 11 games in the NHL tonight -- including the Islanders' next two opponents facing off in Florida -- so treat this as an open NHL thread as well.