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IceCaps Series Recap: St. John’s wins in shootout to earn split with Providence Bruins

It was Military Appreciation Weekend at Mile One Centre as the St. John’s IceCaps took on the Providence Bruins in a two-game series. That meant new, specialty jerseys for St. John’s, which paid tribute to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Friday: Bruins 2-1 IceCaps

St. John’s got off to a rough start in Friday’s contest. Just 27 seconds into the opening period, Providence forward Wayne Simpson beat IceCaps goaltender Charlie Lindgren off a nice feed from Colby Cave.

The IceCaps responded a mere five minutes later through a Ryan Johnston power-play goal. The defenceman beat Daniel Vladar from the point to even things at one. The goal was Johnston’s first as a pro. Nikita Scherbak and Sven Andrighetto picked up the helpers.

From there on out, it was a goaltending dual between Lindgren, and his counterpart, Vladar. Both were tremendous on the night, giving their respective teams plenty of opportunities to go on and win the game.

But it was the Bruins who would eventually retake the lead. Rookie forward Peter Cehlarik tapped home a back-door pass from Colton Hargrove midway through the second period.

The IceCaps pushed late for a tying goal, but the 19-year-old Vladar stood tall, keeping out all the rubber he faced in the third period.

Goaltenders

STJ: Lindgren (L) 28/30

PRO: Vladar (W) 30/31

Three Stars

  1. Daniel Vladar (PRO)
  2. Charlie Lindgren (STJ)
  3. Matt Grzelcyk (PRO)

Full Highlights

Saturday: IceCaps 4-3 Bruins (SO)

On Saturday night, it was St. John’s that got off to the quick start.

Sven Andrighetto and Michael McCarron both had a goal and an assist in the first period. Veteran forward Bobby Farnham also scored in the frame between those two prospects, to put the IceCaps ahead 2-0 at the time and chasing Vladar to be replaced by Malcolm Subban.

The second period was all Bruins. Danton Heinen and Tommy Cross scored for the visitors to cut the lead to 3-2.

Providence tied it up with under four minutes remaining in regulation. Heinen’s second of the night sent the game into overtime.

The extra frame was very uneventful. Neither team had any good chances, until Boston first-round pick, Jake DeBrusk, found himself on a breakaway, but Lindgren shut the door just as time expired.

Daniel Audette shot first for the IceCaps, beating Subban on a backhander. Cehlarik and Heinen both missed for the Bruins, as did Andrighetto for the IceCaps.

The third IceCaps shooter was Nikita Scherbak. The shifty Russian slid the puck five-hole on Subban to claim the two points for St. John’s.

Goaltenders

STJ: Lindgren (W) 38/41 (2/2 SO)

PRO: Vladar 4/6, Subban (OTL) 21/22 (1/3 SO)

Three Stars:

  1. Charlie Lindgren (STJ)
  2. Danton Heinen (PRO)
  3. Nikita Scherbak (STJ)

Full Highlights

Players of the Series:

IceCaps: Charlie Lindgren

It was another strong weekend for the IceCaps’ starter. Lindgren made many timely saves and was often under constant pressure from the Bruins. The early-season MVP for St. John’s is adjusting well to the pro game.

Bruins: Matt Grzelcyk

The smooth skating rookie showed his patience and puck-moving abilities over the two games, while also chipping in offensively with three assists.

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