There was more good than bad for the Providence Bruins last week, as they sandwiched two wins around a punishing defeat that is the low point of the season so far. They won in overtime, 2-1, in Binghamton on Wednesday, were blitzed, 8-2, in Charlotte on Saturday, then bounced back to beat the Checkers, 2-1, in a shootout on Sunday, earning four out of six points.
“The boys had a great response (on Sunday). Great to see,’’ said coach Jay Leach.
Here’s the good, bad and ugly.
GOOD
*** The P-Bruins showed a lot of character by quickly parking Saturday night’s disaster and gutting out a win on Sunday afternoon.
*** Colby Cave had a terrific game on Sunday. He scored in the shootout to keep Providence alive.
*** With goals in three of the last four games, Colton Hargrove leads Providence in goals with six. He scored the OT winner in Binghamton.
*** Ryan Fitzgerald scored Providence’s first goal on Saturday, then buried the winner in Sunday’s shootout.
*** Jordan Binnington wasn’t all that busy on Sunday, facing 19 shots. But he came up big on Charlotte’s Grade A chances and was stellar in the shootout. Binnington is 4-1-1 with a .931 save percentage, fifth in the AHL.
*** Despite numerous callups, Providence got through November with a 4-4-2 record. Five of their next six games are at home.
BAD
*** The penalty kill gave up three goals on eight chances in Saturday’s loss.
*** After allowing eight goals on Saturday, Zane McIntyre’s save percentage is .892, 36th in the AHL.
*** The P-Bruins gave up shorthanded goals on Wednesday and Sunday.
*** Tough night for the D pair of Emil Johansson and Chris Breen on Saturday, both on the ice for three even-strength goals against. They weren’t alone: Kenny Agostino (-3), Austin Czarnik, Chris Porter and Zach Senyshyn (-2).
UGLY
*** After a scoreless first period on Saturday, the wheels came off for the P-Bruins, as they were outscored, 8-2, over the final 40 minutes.
*** The P-Bruins managed only 17 shots on Saturday.
*** Providence’s defensive coverage around the net on Saturday was as poor as I’ve seen it in recent memory.
*** Injured: Jeremy Lauzon (upper body).