PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (27-28-3-1) saw their two hottest players remain difference makers in a 2-0 shutout win over the Providence Bruins (34-19-3-2) on Sunday at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The win was Springfield's third in their last four trips to Providence.

 

The Thunderbirds and Bruins, two teams that normally are defensively minded, were anything but that in the opening 10 minutes, with both teams registering high-quality scoring chances. However, the goaltenders were the true equalizers in the first, as Harri Sateri stopped all eight Bruins shots, while Zane McIntyre picked up 11 saves of his own for Providence.

 

Both goaltenders remained perfect in the second, adding elements of spectacular stops to go along with their steadiness. First, it was McIntyre flashing the glove on Springfield's first power play of the game, taking a sure goal away from Dryden Hunt. Then at the other end, Sateri was equally strong, turning away a pair of point blank chances, including a breakaway backhander from Zach Senyshyn.

 

Of course, the goalies sometimes could use help from their teammates, and Sateri got plenty of it from Mark Fayne on a dangerous chance with a puck falling high from the sky toward the crease. Fayne, though, made sure the game would stay scoreless, as he batted it out of mid-air to preserve the scoreless tie. Springfield's penalty killers also gave Sateri a lift with two successful two-minute survivals in the second period.

 

With the scoreless game reaching the third, the Thunderbirds needed something to break the tie, and with a man-down situation, Anthony Greco did what he does best - he raced down the left wing side and fired a missile that rose over the glove of McIntyre to make it 1-0 at the 4:40 mark of the third. The goal was Greco's 23rd of the season, his fifth in the last five games, and his league-high fifth shorthanded marker on the season.

 

With Providence pushing the issue late, Sateri and the Thunderbirds defense would not allow the red-hot Bruin attack any clear lanes to the net, and Springfield walked out 2-0 winners with Chase Balisy sealing it with an empty-netter in the final second. Greco added an assist to up his point total to 41 on the campaign.

 

The Thunderbirds continued on the road next Friday to begin another 3-in-3 weekend in Utica against the Comets. Springfield then hosts the Comets on Saturday, March 10 at 7:05 p.m. for the second annual Pink in the Rink game at the MassMutual Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Ticket Memberships. Packages include a wide range of benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.