HARTFORD, Conn. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (31-34-5-2) close another rivalry series on Sunday when they visit the Hartford Wolf Pack for a 5:00 p.m. ET puck drop from the XL Center.

 

The I-91 rivalry has once again gone in Springfield's favor for much of the 2017-18 season, going 7-3-0-1 in the first 11 matchups this season. The Thunderbirds fell 4-3 in a shootout in the last meeting between the two teams on March 28. Scott Kosmachuk recorded the shootout's deciding goal for Hartford, while Springfield got goals in regulation from Chase Balisy, Dryden Hunt, and Joel Lowry.

 

Harri Sateri, who is coming off a third consecutive win after making 23 saves in Laval, took the loss that evening for the Thunderbirds, stopping 29 of 32 shots in regulation and overtime. In his last three starts, Sateri is unbeaten and has stopped 95 of the last 97 pucks that have come his way.

 

Overall, the Thunderbirds have won three of their last four games, highlighting their Canadian road trip this week with 2-1 and 5-1 wins over Belleville and Laval, respectively. Owen Tippett made a splash in his Thunderbirds debut, spinning a backhander through Zach Fucale in the first 10 minutes of his first game in Laval.

 

Alex Grenier also reached a milestone in his hometown in the win Friday against the Rocket, recording two goals and an assist to reach 20 goals on the season for the first time in his AHL career.

 

Springfield will look for its first win in Hartford since Josh Brown scored a game-winner in the closing seconds of regulation in a 5-4 Thunderbirds win on Dec. 30.

 

The Thunderbirds return home on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14 for Fan Appreciation Weekend, featuring the final 3-2-1 Friday and MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series to start the weekend. Then on Saturday, the fun begins at Court Square from 4-6 p.m. for a Block Party, presented by Community Bank. Then inside, there will be 2,500 Boomer Bobbleheads as a special giveaway, compliments of Stop & Shop.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about 2018-19 Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages include a wide range of benefits, including the lowest prices for the 2019 AHL All Star Classic presented by MGM Springfield. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.