Bruins keep season alive, force game 4 against Hartford

Story By: Matthew Wiernasz

Photo Courtesy of the Hartford a0Wolf Pack

HARTFORD, CT- The Providence Bruins scored a huge game 3 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack 6-3 last night at the XL Center forcing a game 4 that will be played tomorrow night. The Wolf Pack still lead the series 2-1.

For the first time in the series, the Bruins got on the scoreboard first as Justin Brazeau beat Wolf Pack goaltender Dylan Garand five hole to make it 1-0 late in the first period.

The Bruins scored another goal late in the second period as Josiah Didier fired the one-timer and Oskar Steen deflected it into the net with 0.2 seconds left in the first period to make it 2-0.

Luke Toporowski extended the lead for the Bruins by three goals when he flipped the shot over Garand to make it 3-0.

Bruins forward Fabian Lysell received a hit near the head from Wolf Pack defenseman Adam Clendening late in the second period. Lysell was injured. Bruins forward Joona Koppanen and  Clendening dropped the gloves. Clendening received five minutes for fighting along with a five minute major for interference and a game misconduct. Koppanen received two minutes for instigating, five minutes for fighting and a 10 minute misconduct. Jakub Lauko received a high hit in the third period as no call was made.

Wolf Pack defenseman Zac Jones would score a late power play goal in the second period  after Jake Leschyshyn won the faceoff and got the puck to Jones. Jones shot the one-timer at the 19:35 mark of the second period to cut the lead down to 3-1.

The Wolf Pack would cut the lead down to one early in the third period as Anton Blidh took the shot and Bruins goaltender Brandon Bussi made the save with the blocker after a couple more chances. Gettinger used the wrist shot and beat Bussi to cut the lead down to 3-2.

Bruins defenseman Jack Achan would take advantage of a breakaway and capitalize and beat Wolf Pack goaltender Dylan Garand to make it 4-2 with 14:02 remaining in regulation.

Lauri Pajuniemi cut the lead down to one goal for the Wolf Pack as he tipped in a pass from Tanner Fritz with 6:26 remaining in regulation to make it 4-3.

Bruins goaltender Brandon Bussi made the save of the season and probably the series as Pajuniemi had an excellent scoring opportunity but Bussi robbed him with the glove save.

The Bruins received empty net goals from Brazeau and Vinni Lettieri.

Game 4 of this series will be held tonight at the XL Center as the game will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Wolf Pack lead the series 2-1 and if they win. They will take on the Hershey Bears in the Atlantic Division Finals. If the Bruins tie the series, game 5 will be on Sunday in Providence.