SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Thunderbirds (30-26-2-0) begin a pivotal three-game weekend on Friday as they visit the Providence Bruins (33-18-3-3) for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop inside the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

The T-Birds and Bruins rematch again on Saturday in Springfield on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. for Pink in the Rink Night presented by Baystate Health to benefit the Rays of Hope Foundation. At the conclusion of the game, the T-Birds' specialty pink jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds staying local to benefit Rays of Hope. The weekend concludes with a Sensory-Friendly Sunday Funday against the Hartford Wolf Pack (31-16-6-5) at 3:05 p.m. Sunday.

The Bruins have proven to be a tough match for all comers in the Eastern Conference of late, winning each of their last eight games and earning points in nine consecutive outings. Providence has outscored its opponents 31-14 over the win streak. In addition, they've come away victorious in seven of the last eight matchups with Springfield.

Springfield got the game's opening goal last Saturday from Ethan Prow, but the Bruins rallied to score the final three goals of the contest to snag the 3-1 victory. The season series has been one of many power play goals, as the two clubs have combined for 21 strikes on the man advantage, and each club is over 21% in power play success.

The Thunderbirds enter the weekend three-game set six points back of playoff position in the Atlantic Division, behind fourth-place Charlotte. Springfield and the Checkers will square off three times in the final three weeks of the season.

The T-Birds will look for a third straight win over the Wolf Pack inside the MassMutual Center, on the heels of a 4-1 defeat of their I-91 rivals on Feb. 21 in the last meeting between the clubs. The Thunderbirds are 15-3-1-0 against the Wolf Pack since 2016 inside their home arena. Hartford enters the weekend three points out of first place in the crowded Atlantic Division standings.

For more ticket information or to become a 2020-21 Springfield Thunderbirds ticket package member, or to purchase single game tickets, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.