AHL Game Recap: Cranley, T-Birds Shut Out Bruins

The Springfield Thunderbirds picked up their second win of the 2026-27 season Sunday afternoon, shutting out the Providence Bruins 2-0 at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Will Cranley delivered a perfect performance in net for Springfield, stopping all 24 shots he faced. Justin Carbonneau opened the scoring in the second period, while Otto Stenberg added an empty-net goal late in the third period to secure the victory.

Simon Zajicek started in net for Providence and stopped 20 of 21 shots on goal.

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Thunderbirds and Bruins Remain Scoreless in First Period

Springfield received an early power-play opportunity when Jordan Harris was called for tripping just 48 seconds into the game.

Providence successfully killed off the penalty.

The Bruins then received their first man advantage when Colin Ralph was called for interference. Springfield killed off that opportunity before Justin Carbonneau went to the box for slashing.

The Thunderbirds successfully killed off that penalty and soon received another power play when Harris was called for slashing. Once again, Providence’s penalty kill stood tall.

Neither team could find the back of the net during the opening period. Providence held a 5-3 advantage in shots, while both teams went 0-for-2 on the power play.

Carbonneau Gives Springfield the Lead

Providence controlled much of the early portion of the second period, outshooting Springfield 4-2 during the first half of the frame.

The Bruins received another power-play opportunity with under eight minutes remaining when Ralph was called for holding. Springfield killed off the penalty and continued to keep the game scoreless.

The Thunderbirds then received a man advantage of their own with just under three minutes remaining after Jake Schmaltz was called for holding.

Just before the penalty expired, Carbonneau broke through.

Carbonneau scored to give Springfield a 1-0 lead and put the Thunderbirds on the board for the first time.

Springfield controlled the remainder of the period after taking the lead. The Thunderbirds outshot Providence 4-0 after Carbonneau’s goal and finished the period with an 8-7 advantage in shots.

Cranley Shuts Down Bruins in Third Period

Providence received an early opportunity to tie the game when Oskar Sundqvist was called for tripping.

Springfield’s penalty kill came through again, keeping the Bruins off the scoreboard.

Providence controlled most of the third period and continued to pressure the Thunderbirds. However, Cranley stood tall whenever the Bruins generated chances.

Providence outshot Springfield 12-11 in the final period, but couldn’t solve Cranley.

With the Bruins’ goalie pulled late in the game, Stenberg found the empty net to put Springfield ahead 2-0 and seal the victory.

Cranley stopped all 24 shots he faced to record the shutout, while Zajicek finished with 20 saves on 22 shots.

Will Cranley Leads Thunderbirds to Second Win

Cranley earned first-star honors after stopping all 24 shots he faced.

Carbonneau was named the second star after scoring Springfield’s opening goal, while Aleksanteri Kaskimaki earned third-star honors after recording an assist.

The Thunderbirds’ penalty kill also played a major role in the victory, keeping Providence from converting on any of its power-play opportunities.

Next Up:

The Thunderbirds will return home for their home opener next Saturday against Laval. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. EST.

Providence will return to action Friday night when the Bruins host Hartford. That game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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