P-Bruins Defeat Portland 3-2 in Shootout

Krejci

Providence, RI – The Providence Bruins went to an extra session for the second consecutive game, defeating the Portland Pirates 3-2 in a shootout in the P-Bruins’ home opener at the newly-renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Forwards Vladimir Sobotka and T.J. Trevelyan each scored in regulation for Providence while David Krejci tallied the lone shootout goal. Tuukka Rask extended his personal winning-streak to four games by stopping all five shooters he faced in the shootout.

Sobotka began the scoring in the opening frame when Providence went on its first man-advantage of the night after Portland’s Andy Schneider was given a minor penalty for interference. The rookie center Sobotka took a feed from Pascal Pelletier at the 8:09 mark of the first to bury his team-high sixth goal of the year for a 1-0 lead. Pelletier’s assist extended his points-streak to six games. Krejci also earned a helper, his first in two games with the P-Bruins.

Providence took a 2-0 lead at 9:06 of the second period when Krejci got involved again, flicking a pass to the top of the slot for a waiting Trevelyan, who scored his fifth goal of the season past Jonas Hiller. Nearly three minutes later, the Pirates got back within a goal on Stephen Dixon’s third score of the season. Brett Festerling and Jason King each had assists.

Dixon then tied the game at two with just 40 seconds remaining in regulation, taking advantage of a Portland power play with Sean Curry in the penalty box. Bobby Ryan and Matt Keith had the helpers.

After a scoreless overtime, the P-Bruins second straight extra session with the Pirates, Krejci converted on Providence’s first shootout attempt, followed by nine blocked attempts for the two sides.

Providence out-shot Portland 28-27, the 10th time in 11 games that the P-Bruins have out-shot their opponent. Rask earned his first career shootout win with 25 saves, a total matched by Hiller. Rask improved to 7-1 in eight pro starts.

Each team scored once on the power play, Providence in six chances and Portland in five. The P-Bruins have at least one man-advantage goal in every game this season.