The Bridgeport Islanders are off to a rough start. There’s no sugarcoating it. The New York Islanders’ AHL affiliate has faced well-documented struggles. However, not everything in Bridgeport is bleak. In fact, recent additions and player development in Connecticut have been encouraging. Here’s a look at the positive developments within Rick Kowalsky’s squad:

1. Forward Brian Pinho

Now in his second season with Bridgeport, forward Brian Pinho is off to a blazing start in the 2024-25 campaign. Through 13 games this season, the 29-year-old has already matched his goal total from last year. He leads the Islanders in both goals (9) and points (12) while being fifth in the AHL in goals. If he keeps this pace, Pinho will blow past his previous season-high of 20 goals, achieved in 2019-20 with the Hershey Bears. Maintaining his current pace, he’s on track for a remarkable 49 goals by season’s end.

Pinho’s consistency has been impressive. Between Oct. 20 and Nov. 6, Pinho scored in six consecutive games, even netting multiple goals in a game once. His steady scoring, uncommon among typical goal-scorers, has provided a reliable spark.

In addition to his even-strength play, Pinho has been a bright spot on Bridgeport’s struggling special teams. Logging big power-play and penalty-kill minutes, he’s emerged as a key piece in both roles. Out of his nine goals, three have come shorthanded and two on the power play. His three shorthanded goals lead the AHL, while his two power-play tallies tie him for the team lead. Pinho demonstrates an unteachable instinct to “know when to go” on the penalty kill — a rare ability to pick the right moments to join an offensive rush while down a skater.

With his solid all-around play and special teams impact, Pinho has become one of Bridgeport’s best players. His strong start could earn him an NHL call-up soon, especially with the New York Islanders’ own special teams struggling.

2. Defenseman Sam Bolduc

Sam Bolduc has stepped into a larger AHL role this season. Last year, he served as the New York Islanders’ seventh defenseman, filling in when one of the regular six was out. Consequently, he only appeared in five AHL games. This season, shifts in Bridgeport’s defense corps have expanded Bolduc’s responsibilities.

Bridgeport’s second-leading defensive scorer from last season, Robin Salo, returned to Europe, while Dennis Cholowski, last year’s top scorer among defensemen, won the Islanders’ seventh-defenseman spot over Bolduc. Additionally, veterans Seth Helgeson and Paul LaDue departed in the offseason, creating further opportunities.

Although Bolduc had hoped for an NHL spot, he’s embraced his top-pairing role in the AHL, and he’s performed well. He currently ranks 20th in points among all AHL defensemen and leads Bridgeport in defensive scoring.

Kowalsky relies heavily on Bolduc. Though the AHL doesn’t track ice time statistics, X account @NotABurnerAccou regularly reports Bridgeport’s line combinations, often noting Bolduc on the top defensive pairing and on the power play.

Late Bridgeport lines @ PRO 11/8:

Terry-Pinho-Jefferies
Foudy-Karlstrom-Thompson
Gatcomb-Bardreau-Gauthier
Liukas-Thiesing-Maggio

Bolduc-Newpower
Krygier-Fulp
Mitchell-Odelius

Skarek
Tikkanen

scratches: Warren, Dufour, Hogberg

— not a burner account (@notaburneraccou) November 9, 2024

For all his time on the ice, Bolduc has done an impressive job staying out of the penalty box. His six penalty minutes are the second-fewest among Bridgeport skaters who’ve played all 13 games. He’s only taken three minor penalties, with only Pinho taking fewer. While Bolduc’s season may not have gone exactly as planned, he’s proving himself as a high-caliber AHL defenseman.

3. Forward Alex Jefferies

Like Bolduc, young forward Alex Jefferies entered this season aiming for a major step forward. Following a successful college career at Merrimack, Jefferies joined Bridgeport last season for 12 games, scoring seven points. This year, his first full professional season marks an important test for his potential in the pros. So far, Jefferies has risen to the challenge.

Through 11 games, Jefferies has emerged as one of Bridgeport’s top playmakers, tallying three goals and six assists for nine points. Despite missing two games due to injury, he ranks third in points among all Bridgeport skaters.

It’s worth noting that Jefferies, at 23, is still an AHL rookie. If Jefferies were closer to 30, his production would be solid but not particularly impressive. However, as a rookie, Jefferies stands out, currently ranking 11th in points among all AHL rookies. Kowalsky has shown complete confidence in him, placing Jefferies on the top line with Pinho and Chris Terry and giving him power-play time alongside Pinho.

While Jefferies’ career is still young, his consistent scoring suggests he could earn a shot with the NHL club in the near future.

Honorable Mentions

Center Liam Foudy has been a solid addition after joining Bridgeport in free agency. Though his numbers may not stand out, Foudy has generated plenty of scoring chances for himself and his teammates in his short time with the team. Defenseman Wyatt Newpower has also made a strong impression, ranking second among Bridgeport defensemen in points, even though he takes more penalties than ideal. And as always, Terry continues to be a steady presence, producing at a point-per-game pace.

In a season marked by challenges, the Bridgeport Islanders have found some players who stand out amid the team’s struggles. With Pinho’s scoring surge, Bolduc’s steady presence on defense, and Jefferies’ strong offensive contributions, there are reasons for optimism. These individual successes showcase the potential within Kowalsky’s squad and give the Bridgeport fanbase something to cheer for as the team works to overcome its early-season hurdles.

Featured image courtesy of the Bridgeport Islanders

Joey McAuliffe

Joey McAuliffe is a passionate Islander fan pursuing a Masters of Accounting in Buffalo, NY. His favorite player of all time is Jordan Eberle. He has followed the team closely since 2014, but he began regularly attending games during the 2006 season. Outside of hockey, Joey loves music and the Buffalo Bills.