Hartford Wolf Pack 2, Providence Bruins 1 (OT)

By Chuck Packard

Hartford, CT, October 31, 2015 – Brian Gibbons scored 21 seconds into overtime Saturday night at the XL Center, to give the Hartford Wolf Pack a 2-1 win over the Providence Bruins.

More than 45 minutes of scoreless hockey followed the teams’ trading goals in the first period, but on the first shift of overtime, Gibbons knocked the puck away from Providence’s Max Talbot and slipped it through the pads of goaltender Zane McIntyre.

The Wolf Pack also got a goal from Captain Ryan Bourque, as well as a strong night from Magnus Hellberg, who made several key saves in the second and third period.

Gibbons was happy with the quick turnaround by the Pack, after a 4-1 defeat at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton the night before.

“We got in late last night after a tough loss, and I think the guys showed good fight today and played hard,” he said. “We have one more here on Sunday and we’ll try and make it a good weekend.”

After a slow start with no shots for the first five minutes, the Bruins got a break for their goal at 5:01. A Tommy Cross dump-in caromed off the glass behind the Wolf Pack net and, with Hellberg having gone behind the goal to play the puck, deflected to the front of the goal. Hellberg was caught hopelessly out of position, allowing Providence’s Anton Blidh to bang the puck in.

At 14:15 of the first, Bourque scored on a one-timer, tying the game at one. He was assisted by Travis Oleksuk and Chris McCarthy. The first period ended with only seven shots taken total, two by the Wolf Pack and five by Providence.

Despite the shooting picking up a bit compared to the first period, neither team was able to score in the second. Great efforts by both Hellberg and McIntyre nullified some strong chances for both teams.

Bourque was also happy with the Wolf Pack’s recovery from their second regulation loss of the year. “It’s a long season,” he said, “there’s going to be ups and downs. I think it says a lot how you bounce back from losses like that.”

The Wolf Pack continue a four-game homestand Sunday in their next action, a 5:00 game vs. the Rochester Americans. All Wolf Pack Sunday home games feature the “Click It or Ticket” Family Value Pack. That includes two tickets, two sodas and two hot dogs, all for only $35.

Tickets for all 2015-16 Wolf Pack home games are on sale at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.

To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.

Providence Bruins 1 at Hartford Wolf Pack 2 (OT)
Saturday, October 31, 2015 – XL Center

Providence 1 0 0 0 – 1
Hartford 1 0 0 1 – 2

1st Period-1, Providence, Blidh 3 (Cross, Casto), 5:01. 2, Hartford, Bourque 1 (Oleksuk, McCarthy), 14:15. Penalties-Phillips Pro (slashing), 16:20.

2nd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Hughes Hfd (boarding), 2:51.

3rd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Cross Pro (tripping), 5:01.

OT Period-3, Hartford, Gibbons 3 0:21. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Providence 5-7-6-0-18. Hartford 2-10-11-1-24.
Power Play Opportunities-Providence 0 / 1; Hartford 0 / 2.
Goalies-Providence, McIntyre 2-2-0 (24 shots-22 saves). Hartford, Hellberg 5-2-0 (18 shots-17 saves).
A-2,211
Referees-Olivier Gouin (66).
Linesmen-Nicholas Briganti (58), Brent Colby (7).

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