ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Mark Flood scored the winning goal and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers picked up their third consecutive win Friday night with a 3-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat in American Hockey League action.

Flood's power play marker just past the half way mark of the first frame stood to be the winner. Flood's point shot through a screen fooled Heat starter Leland Irving and found the back of the net.

Bridgeport opened the scoring just over a minute into the first when Justin DiBennedetto found a wide-open Greg Mauldin in the slot. Mauldin made no mistake beating Irving low stick side.

Abbotsford got on the board in the dying seconds of the first period with a controversial goal. Sound Tigers starter Nathan Lawson appeared to have the puck between his pads, but referee Frederick L'Ecuyer ruled the puck still playable, and Matt Pelech was able to poke it past the goaltender.

The 26-year-old Lawson shut the door the rest of the way making 47 saves and earning the game's first star.

Trevor Smith gave Bridgeport (10-10-1) an insurance marker midway through the second when Sean Bentivoglio's pass went off his skate and past Irving.

Irving made 26 saves for the Heat (10-9-3).

The two teams will play their second of a back-to-back Saturday night in Abbotsford.