BSens Come Up Short At Bridgeport In OT
Despite the 3-2 loss, Binghamton managed 5 out of 6 points on what otherwise was a long weekend
Anytime there is a three in three weekend that takes place in the AHL, nabbing a point on the final day is more or less considered a win, especially for the road team. And that is exactly what the Binghamton Senators accomplished despite losing to the Sound Tigers 3-2 in overtime in Bridgeport on Sunday.
Second year pro forward Nick Paul scored a goal and added an assist for Binghamton as the Sens captured five out of a possible six points on the weekend giving the team not only hope, but for their fans themselves with a mark of confidence on both fronts.
Bridgeport (10-5-0-0) got things rolling early as Tanner Fritz scored 3:54 into the opening period for a power play goal. Sens were caught flat-footed with just three shots but starter Matt O’Connor kept the troops in it as he came up with 12 saves for the Senators.
Binghamton (5-8-1-1) would tie it on the power play with a hard wrister from forward Nick Paul near the right circle that went past goaltender Eamon McAdam down low, stick side, for his first goal of the season. But the Sound Tigers would counter soon after and regain their lead ten minutes later on a shot by forward Michael Dal Colle, good for his seventh of the season on a toe drag past defenseman Chris Rumble as his wrist shot went past O’Connor’s glove side.
In the third, Senators forward Ryan Rupert recorded his second goal of the season just 0:39 in to tie the game at two apiece, as his snapshot went through McAdam’s far side from the left circle. BSens would make a mad scramble towards the end with the puck in the crease but came up short as overtime was on the horizon.
In the OT session, it took just 0:46 seconds for the Sound Tigers to end up with the win as defenseman Kane Lafranchise’s wrist shot beat O’C far side.
Tough loss but something to build on what was a surprising weekend of hockey for Binghamton.
POST GAME NOTES
- Players have seemed to figure out what roles they play in, how comfortable they can get while adjusting to the surroundings with so many new faces blending in with some veterans, along with a new head coach. The one good thing they can come away from the weekend, is a collective thought of confidence that hasn’t been reached yet so far with the tough start they have endured. Again, time is on their side. Lots of hockey to be played in the coming months.
- Casey Bailey has been what we had all have hoped for after his trade late last season from Toronto. He leads the team with 6 goals, 9 points and 41 shots. In addition, Bailey has earned an ’A’. Ottawa might want to consider him if he keeps it up, which I know he will. Good leader, strong skating and extremely good ice vision. Smart player.
- Good to see Paul rewarded with his efforts as he continues to develop. Ended up with a goal and an assist on the night as he should remain here in Binghamton the rest of the season to gain experience instead of rushing him like last season if it was up to me.
- Sens were badly outshot in the first with just 3, but found their legs in the final 40 minutes that kept Bridgeport on their heels by a margin of 23-20.
- Another strong performance out of O’C (2-5-1-0, 2.77 GAA, 0.906 SV%) with his 31 saves tonight as it appears he’s turned the corner and has adapted to the shooters and pace at the pro level. Has his head into it as he played 2⁄3 this weekend. Credit goes out to Binghamton goalie coach Kory Cooper. Good job Coop!/
UPCOMING GAMES
Coming up is the annual Thanksgiving Eve game this Wednesday night with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms as they make their first visit to Binghamton.