BRIDGEPORT, CT - David Ullstrom’s tally 37 seconds into overtime sent 7,693 fans at Webster Bank Arena into a frenzy as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers defeated the rival Connecticut Whale 2-1 on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Sound Tigers move to within two points of the Northeast Division lead and improve to 25-18-3-2. The Whale falls to 24-17-4-5.
Both teams recorded goals in the first period and it was the visiting Whale that jumped in front midway through the opening frame. The Sound Tigers turned the puck over in their own zone and the Whale took advantage as Wojtek Wolski fed Kelsey Tessier in front, and the Whale forward beat a sliding Kevin Poulin to give the visitors a 1-0 lead 12:24 into the game.
The Sound Tigers evened the score with 2:51 left in the opening period. Defenseman Jon Landry recorded the first of two assists on the night with a gorgeous feed to Justin DiBenedetto, sending the puck from the blue line and through the slot to the right circle. DiBenedetto sat waiting and ripped the puck over Chad Johnson’s glove for his 14th goal of the season to tie the score at one.
Neither side broke through in the middle frame despite the two teams combining for 25 shots in 20 minutes. Poulin stopped all 10 shots from the Whale and Johnson had 15 saves as both would go on to earn stars in the game, and the two teams entered the locker rooms tied at one after 40 minutes.
The chess match continued into the third period as the game looked destined for overtime until Scott Howes broke in on a breakaway on Johnson. Howes was hooked as he took his shot and awarded a penalty shot, but the rookie forward who is 3-for-3 in shootouts this year was denied on his attempt with 2:20 left in regulation, sending the game to the extra session.
Ullstrom’s game-winner came 37 seconds into overtime. The second-year forward brought the puck into the zone, skated into the high slot and fired a shot through the Whale defense over Johnson’s shoulder.
Kevin Poulin made 27 saves to earn his 14th win of the season and first star honors. Chad Johnson made 40 saves in the loss. It was the second time the Sound Tigers had defeated the Whale at home in overtime this season, with Tim Wallace’s game-winner capping a hat trick and clinching a 4-3 victory on Nov. 2, 2011.
The Sound Tigers continue their six-game homestand next weekend when they host the Adirondack Phantoms at 7:00 p.m.
