BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Returning to Total Mortgage Arena for the first time in two weeks, the Bridgeport Islanders fought back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Hershey Bears, 4-3, in a shootout in the final Sound Tiger Saturday of the regular season.
The Bears struck 1:22 into the contest as Andrew Cristall converted on his 15th goal of the season. Sonny Milano continued Hershey’s scoring with his fourth of the season at 11:35 into the opening period.
Liam Foudy collected a loose puck and fired home his 22nd goal of the season from the slot 1:50 into the second period, cutting Bridgeport’s deficit in half. The goal gave Foudy his fourth consecutive home game recording a point, as he has collected six points (4-2–6) over that span.
Hershey responded at 8:46, as Ilya Protas picked up a loose puck in a net-front scrum and slid it home for his 26th of the year to take a 3-1 lead.
The Islanders answered back thanks to Matthew Highmore, who collected a pass from the right wing boards and ripped it past Mitch Gibson at 13:32 into the second period to cut the deficit to 3-2.
In the third period, the Islanders evened the score at three thanks to Daylan Kuefler, who buried a rebound for his seventh of the season 7:13 into the frame.
After a scoreless overtime, the Islanders gained the extra point in the shootout thanks to a game-winner from Alex Jefferies in the seventh round.
Cole Eiserman recorded a shot in his professional debut.
The Islanders will visit the Bears tomorrow at the GIANT Center at 3 p.m. They will return home on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Charlotte Checkers. Tickets can be found on www.bridgeportislanders.com.
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