The end of the season for Bridgeport

Last weekend I was in Bridgeport for the Sound Tigers final game of their 10th Anniversary season.  They played the Albany Devils on Sunday, April 10.  Goalie Mikko Koskinen had 46 saves - a season high.  Jeremy Colliton was awarded the Sound Tigers all time leading scorer award at the beginning of the game, along with receiving the first star for that afternoons game.  The AHL All-Star and All-Rookie honor award went to Rhett Rakhshani this season as he led the Sound Tigers in goals, assists, and points. Final 4-3 Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Mascot, Storm

Assistant Coach Matt Bertani

Sound Tiger President Howard Saffan and Jeremy Colliton

First star recipient Jeremy Colliton

On March 19, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers beat the Manchester Monarchs in overtime.  With 3:35 left in regulation Tony Romano tied it up 1-1.  In overtime, Justin DiBenedetto scored 1:37 minutes in, to earn the Sound Tigers the two points.  In goal that evening was Nathan Lawson who had 38 saves.  Final 2-1 Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Justin DiBenedetto celebrating after scoring the winning goal in overtime.

The Sound Tigers took on the Charlotte Checkers on March 18. With the Checkers leading 2-1, Rob Hisey forced the game into overtime scoring a shorthanded goal with 22.3 seconds left in regulation.  After a scoreless 5 minutes of over time,  the Checkers then took home the win in the sixth round of the shootout. Final 3-2 Charlotte Checkers.

AHL All-Star and All-Rookie, Rhett Rakhshani

Rally Caps!

Sunday in Manhattan

On my recent trip to New York, my girlfriends and I decided while we were in Manhattan to do the touristy thing and go to the Empire State Building.  Not realizing that it was a holiday weekend we had a bit of a wait in the lines. I can't tell you how many different languages we heard!  It was all worth the wait. Met some nice Australians! Sadly it was our last day. Once we got to the observatory we didn't last too long outside since it was so windy, but we went in and out and got to see the view from each side after warming up a bit.  We were spoiled with 60 degree weather on Friday so the chilly Sunday was a eye opener.  After the Empire State Building we warmed up with a few drinks. Chalk that up as another successful trip.  

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." - Seneca

Shutout Saturday at the Coliseum

The New York Islanders took on the Los Angeles Kings this past Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum and defeated them 3-0.  Goaltender Al Montoya #35 made 35 saves, this was his first start as a New York Islander, and first NHL career shutout.  Forward Frans Nielsen #51 is the first player in the NHL to score five shorthanded goals in the 2010-2011 season as he dominated the penalty killing to put the Isles on the board. This was followed with forward Matt Moulson #26 scoring the remaining two goals against his brother-in-law, Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.  The New York Islanders hosted the Florida Panthers today and won 5-1.

Islanders goaltender Kevin Poulin and forward Jeremy Colliton

These photos are from my trip to Bridgeport, CT in November.  I decided now is a great time to post these because the goalie featured, 20 year old Kevin Poulin, was recently called up to the New York Islanders.  Poulin made his NHL debut Friday, January 7th, to relieve goaltender Nathan Lawson, when the Isles took on the Edmonton Oilers but then lost 2-1.  There he made 19 saves.  Poulins first NHL win was earned against the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado, the very next day.  The Islanders left with a 4-3 win in overtime.  Poulin had 34 saves.
The photos also feature forward Jeremy Colliton (wearing the A in the Sound Tiger jersey), in November he was signed to a one year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.  His rookie season was in 2005-06 where he played 19 games with the Islanders.  Recently, he was called up again on Friday, January 7th to replace Frans Nielsen who was questionable because of a groin injury.  Colliton scored two goals during the Avalanche game on Saturday to assist with their win.

In the game below, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers won against the Portland Pirates 3-0.  Also, please note one of the best fans I have ever seen below.  This kid was screaming for "Storm" the Sound Tigers mascot at the top of his lungs.