MERKULOV AND POITRAS POST TWO-POINT NIGHTS IN P-BRUINS’ WIN OVER COMETS

Dec 6, 2024

Utica, NY - Forwards Georgii Merkulov and Matthew Poitras both notched a goal and an assist in the Providence Bruins’ 3-2 win over the Utica Comets on Friday night at the Adirondack Bank Center. Riley Tufte netted a power play goal in the second frame. Goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped 18 shots to earn the victory. 

 

How It Happened

• Merkulov collected a loose puck in the right circle and fired a wrist shot that whistled inside the near post, giving the P-Bruins a 1-0 lead 3:10 into the game. Poitras and Vinni Lettieri were credited with the assists. 
• Brian Halonen scooped up a loose puck in the slot and snapped a shot into the upper-right corner of the net, tying the game at 1-1 with 4:39 remaining in the first period. 
• With three seconds to play in the first frame, Tufte hammered a one-timer from the right circle under the glove of the goaltender for a power play goal, giving the P-Bruins a 2-1 lead. Fabian Lysell and Drew Bavaro received the assists. 
• Two minutes into the second period, Xavier Parent converted on a cross-crease pass from the left post for a power play goal to tie the game at 2-2. 
• Poitras’ one-timer from the slot zipped past the blocker of the goaltender for a power play goal, giving Providence a 3-2 lead with 5:19 left in the second period. Merkulov and Ian Mitchell were credited with the assists. 

 

Stats 

• Poitras’ tally was his first career AHL goal. He posted his third multipoint game of the season.
• Merkulov recorded his team leading 12th assist of the season. 
• Bussi stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced. The P-Bruins totaled 26 shots.
• The power play went 2-for-6 and the penalty kill was 2-for-3.
• The Providence Bruins improve to 9-10-2-0.

 

Up Next

The Providence Bruins host the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday, December 7 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.