After running up a five-game winning streak, the Springfield Thunderbirds dropped two games this weekend to fall back into last place in the AHL’s Atlantic Division.
Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves to lead the Binghamton Devils to a 5-3 road win over Springfield on Friday night, handing the Thunderbirds its first loss in 13 days. Springfield jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on goals from Chase Balisy, Alexandre Grenier and Juho Lammikko before the Devils rallied for five-straight goals. Samuel Montembeault surrendered the first three markers before being replace by Evan Cowley, who gave up the last two and took the loss.
On Sunday, the Thunderbirds were blanked 2-0 by the Bruins in Providence. Zane McIntyre made 27 saves, Ryan Fitzgerald scored the game-winner with 6:52 left in regulation, and Jordan Szwarz clinched it with an empty-netter. Samuel Montembeault was magnificent for the Thunderbirds, finishing with 47 saves.
The Florida Panthers are off today before facing the Dallas Stars tomorrow night to close a brief two-game road trip. The Cats are currently nine points behind the New York Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand.