Sound Tigers Seek First Win Against Bruins in Home Opener
For the first time in the 20 year history of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the team has started the season 0-2. But for the Sound Tigers, it is time to go home to play their opener, as they host the Providence Bruins at the Webster Bank Arena on Saturday.
Last Time Out
The Sound Tigers blew a 2-0 lead late in Sunday’s game against the Hartford Wolf Pack, losing 5-2 at the XL Center. Cole Coskey and Samuel Bolduc both scored their first professional goals. Hartford stormed away with five unanswered goals past goaltender Jakub Skarek, including four in the third period.
For the Providence Bruins, they battled with the Hartford Wolf Pack on Thursday. It was their first game with Jack Studnicka and Dan Vladar, who were with the Boston Bruins to start the season. The Bruins were shutout by Keith Kinkaid and the Hartford Wolf Pack, falling 4-0.
Keys to the Game:
Now, the Sound Tigers have reinforcements from the Islanders’ Taxi Squad. Dmytro Timashov and Otto Koivula have joined on the Sound Tigers and will most likely suit up for the home opener, while Andrew Ladd was called up to the Islanders’ Taxi Squad. Bridgeport has struggled to protect the net and to play a consistent 60 minutes of hockey. With the additions of Koivula and Timashov, the Sound Tigers’ forward core now presents both skill and size, a combination that could help them beat Providence.
The Bruins will go with either Dan Vladar or Jeremy Swayman in goal. Swayman played fantastic on opening day against the Sound Tigers. Jakub Skarek will most likely get the start for Bridgeport. In 32 North American professional games with Bridgeport and Worcester, Skarek has six career wins.
Searching for their first win this season, the Sound Tigers should come out strong. If they play a consistent game, don’t be surprised if they pull out a victory.
A Native of Danbury, CT. Christian is one of the longest tenured Drive4Five writers, Christian Gardecki began writing for Drive4five In May of 2017. Christian covers Minor League Hockey and the Bridgeport Islanders for Drive4Five. Outside of Drive4Five, Christian was the captain of his High School Hockey team and currently attends Hofstra University with a major in journalism. Christian was the play by play broadcaster for the Danbury Westerners summer collegiate baseball team during their 2021 NECBL Championship. Christian also was the Public Address Announcer for the Danbury Hat Tricks Minor Pro Hockey team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and NAHL Junior team from 2019-21.
