Braden Holtby Shines Despite 3-2 Loss to Bridgeport

Warm-ups in high above Bridgeport. (Photo via @TheSoundTigers)

The power may still be out to parts of the Tri-State area, but the power was working just fine in Bridgeport on Saturday night. The Bridgeport power play that is. The Sound Tigers scored three power plays goals on their way to a 3-2 victory over the Bears.

Hershey took an early lead on a goal by Matt Clackson, but Bridgeport converted a two man advantage starting with a goal by Casey Cizikas. Less than two minutes later Brandon DeFazio gave Bridgeport the lead 2-1 after one period.

Bears Captain Boyd Kane, playing in his 300th AHL game tied the game just 19 seconds into the second period, but Brock Nelson would jam the game winner past Braden Holtby late in the period to give Bridgeport a 3-2 victory.

Despite the three power play goals Holtby gave up, the netminder stopped 39 shots in a great effort.

The game featured 30 penalties including eight for fighting. The loss ends Hershey’s three game winning streak.

The Sound Tigers gave free admission to their fans in respect to the terrible damage done to the area by Hurricane Sandy. A crowd of 8,525 watched at Webster Bank Arena.

The Bears are off until next Friday when they travel to Wilkes-Barre. Hershey returns home Saturday at 7pm to face St John’s and then Sunday at 5pm to play Portland.