SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (10-6-0-2) will look to pick up their eighth straight home-ice win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (11-6-2-1) on Wednesday night as they take on their division rivals at 7:05 p.m.

 

The Thunderbirds last lost to the Sound Tigers at the MassMutual Center on Mar. 29, 2017. Wednesday's tilt marks the second of three meetings in the span of eight nights for the two clubs. The home team has won 12 of the last 13 matchups in this rivalry series, with the only visitor victory coming for the T-Birds on Feb. 2, 2018 at Webster Bank Arena.

 

Springfield could not catch the Sound Tigers in their last meeting on Sunday, a game that saw a combined five power play goals between the two clubs. Bridgeport's man advantage went 3-for-7, with veteran Steve Bernier potting two power play goals en route to his first career AHL hat trick. Springfield's man advantage went 2-for-9 on the afternoon, getting its tallies from Jayce Hawryluk and Joel Lowry.

 

In net, Sam Montembeault fell for only the second time in nine decisions, stopping 27 of 31 Sound Tigers shots in the defeat. Chris Gibson picked up the win on the Bridgeport side with 25 stops on Sunday afternoon.

 

The Thunderbirds were done in by a second period that saw them register just three shots on goal and be outscored 2-0. Springfield bounced back and put up a strong front in the final period, cutting the Bridgeport lead to 4-3 and throwing 15 shots at Gibson's net.

 

By being held off the scoresheet on Saturday and Sunday, Thunderbirds captain Paul Thompson is in the midst of his first two-game scoring drought of the season. He still is in a three-way tie for T-Birds team leadership in scoring with 17 points and team-best 11 goals.

 

The Thunderbirds play three games in the span of five nights beginning with Wednesday's prime-time matchup with the Sound Tigers. Springfield hits the road to take on the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. before returning home for a rematch with Bridgeport at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday.

 

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 Lexus 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.