Jakub Skarek came into today’s matchup with his 40th AHL win being just 60-minutes away.
The 2018 third-rounder is now in his fifth year in the Islanders system, being with Bridgeport since their Sound Tigers days.
Skarek got the call in Bridgeport’s home opener, which resulted in a 26-save winning effort. Bridgeport would then call on No.1 the next day to close out their first homestand of the 23/24 season.
The Islanders were set to face defending Calder Cup champions, the Hershey Bears. Hershey came into Connecticut looking to extend their three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the 2-2 Islanders looked to stay undefeated at home and go above .500%.
Jakub Sharek came into the Sunday afternoon matchup chasing his 40th win. Shares 39 wins is good for 7th all-time in AHL Islanders history in the win column and 5th all-time in games played (107).
PERIOD BY PERIOD
An early goal given up during the first period resulted in a 5/6 save effort for the first 20-minute set.
Hershey would get the best of Skarek after a fast break goal from just outside the neutral zone. A 6 save second period set,, along with a Matthew Maggio goal, put the Islanders within one going into the third.
A brilliant save led to a game-tying goal scored by Tanner Fritz. The goal reset the puck game; with the thought of overtime undoubtedly in players' heads.
Who doesn’t love overtime hockey? Well I can bet the Bridgeport Islanders don’t: for the second day in a row overtime hockey has brought Bridgeport into extra ice time.
Sharek was under constant pressure and would allow the OT winner for Hershey with 1:28 left, extending the Bears’ winning streak to four games, while pushing the Islanders below .500%.
THE WAITING GAME
So win No.40 will have to be on hold for Jakub Sharek, who went 19-for-22 in saves in the Islanders' losing effort.
Bridgeport’s next game is Friday, October 27th at Charlotte, with their next home game not being until November 5th, when Springfield comes to town.