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Gameday #19: Manchester Monarchs vs Providence Bruins

Posted on by Stephanie Vail

Tonight is game number five of 12 between the Manchester Monarchs (12-3-1-2, 27 points) and the Providence Bruins (8-5-1-2, 19 points) this season. The previous four games this season have all been wins for the Monarchs – two in regulation and two in shootouts.

The last time the two teams met was the first weekend of November, where Manchester won both games by a combined score of 9-3. The Monarchs has three power play goals, a penalty shot goal, and two empty net goals. They also gave up three power play goals to Providence.

Since that game, Providence has played better. The Monarchs have continued to be dominant despite losing another top forward in Tanner Pearson and their number one goaltender, and best goalie in the AHL, in Martin Jones.

The Monarchs are first in the Atlantic Division, a full eight points ahead of the Providence Bruins, who are in second in the division. The Monarchs are first in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the entire league.

Both teams are coming off of wins on Friday night. Manchester defeated the Worcester Sharks 4-1.

Game Notes

Providence Manchester
Record 8-5-1-2, 19 pts in 16 GP 12-3-1-2, 27 pts in 18 GP
Ranking

2nd Atlantic Division

8th Eastern Conference

14th AHL

1st Atlantic Division

1st Eastern Conference

2nd AHL
Last 10 Games 6-3-1-0 7-3-0-0
Home/Away Away: 4-2-0-1 Home: 6-1-1-0
Goal Differential +4 (59 GF, 55 GA) +14 (58 GF, 44 GA)
Total PIM 328 259
Shootout Record 3-2 2-2

Special Teams

Providence Manchester
Power Play 4th. 22.9% (16-for-70) 19. 15.7% (11-for-70)
Penalty Kill 30th. 71.9% (16 GA on 57 PKs) 11th. 83.7% (14 GA on 86 PKs)
Shorthanded GF 1 2
Shorthanded GA 0 2

Lineup Notes

Since last weekend, when coach Mark Morris had to resort to dressing only nine forwards and seven defensemen due to callups and injuries, the Monarchs have filled roster spots by signing three players to PTOs (Professional Try Out contracts).

On Monday, the Monarchs signed right wing AJ Gale to a PTO. On Tuesday, the Monarchs announced the signing of defenseman Cameron Burt and center Mike Ullrich to PTOs as well. Ullrich had his first AHL goal in last night’s win over the Sharks.

On the P-Bruins end, their top goal scorer, Matt Fraser, was taken to the hospital for x-rays after taking a slapshot to the leg last night. Surprisingly, he is a game-time decision tonight. Joe Morrow will also return to the lineup after missing last night’s game due to an elbow injury sustained last Sunday.

P-Bruins Seth Griffith and Jared Knight each have four points against the Monarchs this year. Brandon Kozun is kicking everyone’s ass with eight points in four games against Providence this year. Jordan Weal also has six points in four games.

Leading scorers on the season for Manchester are, not including players on callup with LA, Kozun (5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points), Jordan Weal (2 goals, 14 assists, 16 points), and Nick Deslauriers (6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points).

Providence leading scorers are Ryan Spooner (3 goals, 13 assists, 16 points), Matt Fraser (11 goals, 3 assists, 14 points), and Carter Camper (2 goals, 11 assists, 13 points).

Goaltenders

Since Martin Jones was called up, JF Berube has been 3-1. He has not faced Providence yet this year. Backup Aaron Dell has not played for the Monarchs yet this season. Berube’s numbers on the year are 3-2-0 with 2.40 GAA and .910 save%.

Providence goaltenders Niklas Svedberg, who won last night in a shootout, 0-1-2 against the Monarchs this year (3.82 GAA, .885 save%). Malcolm Subban is 0-1-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .930 save% against the Monarchs this season.

Svedberg is 6-2-2 this season (3.19 GAA and .902 save%). Subban is 2-4-0 (2.72 GAA, .902 save%, 1 awesome goalie fight).

Starters and Line Combos

Line combinations, defensive pairings, and starting goaltenders will be updated here as soon as the information is made available.

In-Game Updates:

Talking Points