Sound Tigers to Charlotte fall in shootout 2-1

The Sound Tigers played even with the Charlotte Checkers bringing them into a shoot out but could not get it done as the team dropped their first of two games in a row against Charlotte by the score of 2-1.

Bridgeport came out strong to start the game, throwing 13 shots in the first period towards Charlotte goaltender, Mike Murphy who had to be sharp. Murphy made 30 saves in the game. Both teams had great scoring chances, but nothing came of them. In the second, things started to pick up a bit, as a big hit was thrown in the corner by Sound Tiger D-man Benn Olsen which led to a fight between Olsen and Charlotte's Zack Fitzgerald. Olsen looked like he got the best of Fitzgerald. The Sound Tigers radio announcer said it best, "Fitzgerald is a punching bag out there at center ice!" After the fight, it would be the Sound Tigers who would draw first blood on the power play, as Jeremy Colliton got a great pass from Rob Hisey in front and directed it past Murphy to make it 1-0. However, it wouldn't last long, when on a five on three power play Charlotte tied it as Chris Terry found the rebound on the door step and made it 1-1. Not too much in the third, although Justin Taylor saved the game for Bridgeport as the puck went through the legs of Bridgeport goaltender Joel Martin and onto the goal line. Martin had 27 saves in the loss. Taylor got there just in time to pull it off the goal line and keep the score tied at one. After sixty minutes of play the score was still knotted at one and they would need overtime. Both teams had quality chances to end the game in overtime but it remand tied. In the shootout the first two shooters from both teams, Robin Figren and Rob Hisey for Bridgeport and Matthew Pistilli and and Zach Dalpe failed to score. After that, Rhett Rakhshani and Jacob MicFlickier scored to bring the shootout to 1-1. Tony Romano then failed to score while Charlotte's Chris Terry beat Joel Martin. Justin Dibenedetto couldn't beat Murphy as he shot high over the net securing the Charlotte win 2-1.

3 Stars:

1. CHA - 25 Chris Terry
2. BRI - 49 Joel Martin
3. CHA - 31 Mike Murphy

Attendance: 2554