AHL week in review: Bridgeport begins season 4-0

October 13, 5:20 PMNew York Islanders ExaminerLee Forman

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While the New York Islanders continue to look for their first win of 2009-10, their minor league team across the Long Island Sound has opened their campaign with four straight victories.  The Bridgeport Sound Tigers capped their first full week of the season with a 3-2 overtime win over the Binghamton Senators Monday afternoon. 

Here is a quick recap of each victory:

• Saturday October 3rd (home opener) - vs. Lowell Devils

Top Performer - The Sound Tigers got a huge game from LW Sean Bentivoglio in front of a sellout crowd at the Arena at Harbor Yard.  Bentivoglio, who turns 24 on Friday, signed with the Islanders as a free agent back in May of 2007.  The former Niagara University standout added a goal and two assists, including a helper on the overtime winner.

Game Winner - Andrew MacDonald sent the happy crowd to the exits 2:54 into the extra session, courtesy of a one-timer from the blue-line.  MacDonald, 23, was selected by the Islanders in the 6th round of the 2006 NHL Draft.  The 6-foot defenseman failed to register a point in 3 NHL games last season, but finished with a plus-2 rating and 2 penalty minutes. 

Others to Score - LW Trevor Smith and C Tyler Haskins

Winning Goaltender - 27 year-old Scott Munroe made 33 saves on his way to achieving his first victory in the Islanders organization.

• Friday October 9th - vs. Worcester Sharks

Top Performer - Trevor Smith scored a goal and an assist in regulation, proving once again that he deserves to be the first forward promoted to the NHL should the Islanders need an additional body.  The 24 year-old continued to build on his success from last season, where he accumulated 30 goals and 32 assists in 76 games with the Sound Tigers.  Smith was rewarded for his efforts and was given the chance to suit up for 7 games with the Islanders in 2008-09.  The rookie scored his first NHL goal on January 8th against the Calgary Flames.  

Game Winner - This game remained tied at 3 following the overtime session, and Smith carried over his exceptional play to the shootout.  The gifted forward slid the puck through an open five hole to give Bridgeport the advantage.

Others to Score - Mark Katic (first professional goal) and Greg Moore 

Winning Goaltender - Mikko Koskinen, 2nd round pick of the 2009 NHL Draft, was victorious in his first career start as a professional.  Not only did he stop 32 of 35 shots, but the Finnish prospect turned aside all four shots he faced in the shootout to earn the 'W'. 

• Saturday October 10th - vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Top Performer - G Nathan Lawson led his team with solid play in the crease.  Lawson, 26, has been in the Islanders system since signing with the Utah Grizzlies back in November of 2007.  His 35 saves, on 36 shots, were instrumental in Bridgeport's 2-1 triumph.   

Game Winner - Sean Bontivoglio continued his hot start to open the year, scoring with just 10 seconds remaining in regulation time. 

Others to Score - Jesse Joensuu

Winning Goaltender - Lawson's incredible effort gave the Sound Tigers three wins, from three different net-minders, to open the season

• Monday October 12th - vs. Binghamton Senators

Top Performer - RW Gregg Mauldin scored two goals against his former team, and led Bridgeport to a 3-2 win in Monday's matinee.  The 27 year-old has not played in the NHL since the 2003-04 campaign, where he wore a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey for only six games.  Mauldin signed a one-year pact with the Islanders this past offseason.

Game Winner - Mauldin's second tally of the game came 2:10 into overtime to cement the victory.  

Others to Score - Trevor Smith

Winning Goaltender - Scott Munroe, making his second start of the year, got the call in this one for Jack Capuano's team.  The veteran AHL net-minder turned aside 29 of 31 shots to earn the win.