P-Bruins Get Even with Falcons Thanks to Overtime Win in Springfield

P-Bruins news release…

Providence, R.I. – The Providence Bruins defeated the Springfield Falcons 2-1 in overtime to even their first round series at 1-1. Blake Parlett and Matt Fraser scored for the P-Bruins while Niklas Svedberg made 23 saves for the victory.

In the first period the Springfield Falcons soared out of the gate and were aggressive in the beginning of the frame taking five quick shots. However, during a delayed penalty Bruins defenseman and ex-Falcon Blake Parlett was able to get a shot past Springfield net minder Mike McKenna. It was Parlett’s first goal for the Providence Bruins and was assisted on the play by Seth Griffith and Alexander Khokhlachev 7:29 into the period.

Twenty-one seconds into the second period the Bruins got a power play opportunity when Dana Tyrell was whistled for boarding for a hit on Zach Trotman and headed to the penalty box. Trotman was shaken up on the play but managed to skate to the bench. 

Shortly after the power play ended, Marko Dano wrapped the puck around the net to the left side and found Tim Erixson at the top of the left wing. Erixson fooled everyone with a fake shot and found a wide-open Michael Chaput, who snuck in behind Svedberg near the right goal post, and scored on a wide open net to tie the game 1-1. 

With slightly over 4 mins into the third period Providence got their second power play opportunity when Falcons left wing Jean-Francois Jacques was called for slashing. Alexander Fallstrom had the best opportunity of the power play with 15 minutes left in the period, mistiming his shot off a pass with a lot of open net in front of him.

Roughly 3 minuets after the power play ended Chris Casto was called for hooking. The P-Bruins 21st ranked penalty kill lines played well against Springfield’s 12th ranked power play unit and didn’t allow many clear chances to net.

The rest of the 3rd period was dominated by the stellar play of both goaltenders. McKenna made 31 saves in regulation including seven shots in the third. Svedberg followed suit, highlighted by a game saving save with 5 seconds left on the clock.

Overtime was a constant back and forth as both goalies continued their great play from the third period. The game winning goal came on a counter attack as Nick Johnson was able to draw an extra man while entering the zone on a 3-2 situation. Johnson dumped the puck to a streaking Matt Fraser who netted a wrist shot through the legs of McKenna with 3:54 left in overtime. 

The two teams return to the ice in Springfield tomorrow night, Saturday, April 26th at 7:00 at the Mass Mutual Center for Game 3. The teams will return to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence for Game 4 on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:05, with Game 5, if necessary, scheduled for Saturday, May 3 in Springfield.