Providence splits its first home weekend of the season

After a perfect opening weekend on the road, the Providence Bruins returned to the comforts of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center this weekend to open their home slate.

The P-Bruins split the weekend, beating the Rochester Americans 3-2 on Saturday before falling to the Springfield Thunderbirds 5-2 on Sunday.

Saturday’s win saw Oskar Steen score the game-winner in the final couple of minutes, a huge goal for the Swedish kid. Jakub Lauko and Anders Bjork scored in that game as well.

On Sunday, things didn’t go the P-Bruins’ way. The Thunderbirds’ special teams play was the difference, as Springfield scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded.

The P-Bruins did fire 35 shots on net in the loss, but Peter Cehlarik and Bjork sored the lone goals.

For those interested in lines, here’s how Providence lined up on Sunday:

Notable performances

• Anders Bjork had himself a weekend, with 2 goals and an assist.
• Steen’s goal was the first of his AHL career, as was Jakub Lauko’s.
• Cehlarik made his season debut on Sunday after missing a few games with a nagging injury. He scored, so...one for one!
• Zach Senyshyn got in a fight on Sunday. He doesn’t have a point yet this season.
• Maxime Lagace got the win on Saturday night, making 30 saves. Dan Vladar took the loss on Sunday, making 23 saves.

Scoring leaders

• Anders Bjork: 4GP, 3G, 2A, 5PTS
• Jack Studnicka: 4GP, 0G, 3A, 3PTS
• Brendan Gaunce: 4GP, 2G, 0A, 2PTS

5 other players have 2 points: Paul Carey, Ryan Fitzgerald, Oskar Steen, Alex Petrovic, Urho Vaakanainen

The P-Bruins are back at it with some mid-week action on Wednesday in Laval.