SPRINGFIELD, MA. – The Binghamton Senators poured 36 shots on net but fell 3-1 to the Springfield Thunderbirds despite a late comeback rally on Friday night at the MassMutual center.
Following a scoreless first period, the Thunderbirds scored two goals over the middle frame to take the 2-0 lead. The first strike came when the B-Sens were down a man on the ice at the 13:32 mark. Greg McKegg and Jared McCann took a give-and-go down the ice before McCann took a shot form the bottom left wing circle to beat Matt O’Connor on the blocker side. Sena Acolatse picked up an assist on McCann’s third goal of the season.
Springfield doubled the lead with 13 seconds to play in the period after McKegg got on the board for his first goal of the year. McKegg skated down the left side and cut to the front of the net where he lifted the puck over O’Connor’s blocker hand. Thomas Schemitsch and Mike Sgarbossa were awarded the assists on the goal and the B-Sens went to the final intermission down by two goals.
The Binghamton Senators broke Reto Berra’s shutout bid with less than five minutes to play in the final period with Kyle Flanagan’s third goal of the year. Patrick Sieloff took a shot that was deflected to Flanagan at the bottom of the right wing circle who then one-timed it past the glove hand of Berra with 4:29 left in regulation.
Despite a strong final push from the B-Sens to tie the game, McKegg found the back of an empty net to secure the win for the Thunderbirds 3-1. Chase Balisy and Sgarbossa assisted with the final goal of the night.
O’Connor stopped 19 shots in the losing effort while Berra earned the win with 36 saves.
The Binghamton Senators return home for Ugly Sweater Night against the Utica Comets at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, December 17. Fans can meet Santa and stay after the game for a postgame ugly sweater jersey auction! Tickets are on sale by calling the B-Sens Executive Office from the 8:00 a.m. until the second intermission on Saturday. Fans can tune in on U.S. Country 96.9 FM, 680 AM, iHeartRadio’s website and mobile app, and AHL Live.
