Providence, Rhode Island – The Manchester Monarchs could not overcome two early first period goals and fell to the Providence Bruins, 3-2, at Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Friday night.
Manchester (7-5-0-1) ranks second in the Atlantic Division with 15 points. Providence (5-6-0-1) is in fifth place in the Division with 11 points.
“A slow start spoiled a determined effort,” said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Morris . “Down by two, we worked hard to make a comeback but the hole we dug was too deep. We had a ton of chances. Sooner or later our scorers need to find the back of the net again. There were plenty of opportunities. It’s time to bear down and finish around the net.”
The Bruins regained the lead at 3-2 when right wing Jamie Tardif poked in a rebound at 13:25 of the second period. Center Ryan Spooner carried the puck into the Monarchs zone on the left wing creating a two-on-two opportunity. Spooner skated to the right wing face-off circle crossing with Tardif before wristing a shot on Monarchs goaltender Peter Mannino. Spooner’s shot produced a rebound in front of the net for Tardif to poke in for his fourth tally of the season and the eventual game-winning tally.
