ALBANY, NY — Mike Sislo’s two goals were matched by Frank Vatrano’s pair as the Providence Bruins earned a late win, defeating the Albany Devils, 3-2, Tuesday at Times Union Center.
Sislo, who less than two weeks ago represented Albany at the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic, scored his league-leading 13th power-play goal and added an even strength tally to secure his third consecutive 20-goal season.
Both of his goals Tuesday came with the Devils trailing by a goal. Vatrano opened the scoring 1:01 into the second with the man advantage. Shortly after, Brian O’Neill and Brandon Burlon setup Sislo for a one-time blast from the high slot at 7:16.
Providence’s Justin Hickman recaptured the lead at 9:58, sending the Devils to the dressing room trailing after the second period for just the 11th time this season.
When play resumed, Matt Lorito sprung Sislo for a breakaway at 1:48. Burlon registered his second assist, giving him four in the last two contests.
Providence, who has points in 14 consecutive games, got the deciding goal off Vatrano’s stick with just 3:20 on the clock.
In the closing minutes and with an extra attacker on the ice, Jim O’Brien nearly forced overtime, but his bid struck iron. The Devils, who were coming off back-to-back wins, lost for just the fifth time in regulation on home ice.
The Devils employed rookie goaltender Ken Appleby. In just his second career AHL game and in his Times Union Center debut, the 20-year-old faced 29 shots. At the other end, Jeremy Smith earned his sixth AHL win of the season. He had 25 saves.
• The Essentials
Shots: Albany 27, Providence 32
Power Play: Albany 1-3, Providence 1-2
Three Stars: 1. Frank Vatrano (PRO), 2. Mike Sislo (ALB), 3. Justin Hickman (PRO)
• Next Up
The Devils embark on a home-and-home series against the Rochester Americans. The first game is Friday at 7:05 pm at Blue Cross Arena. The teams then meet Saturday at 5 pm at Times Union Center.
