Brandon Smith‘s goal 87 seconds into overtime lifted Bridgeport to a 5-4 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday night and a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven East Division semifinal series.
For the second straight game, the Penguins scored four times on the road against the stingiest defense in AHL history, but for the second straight game fell victim in overtime.
Tomas Surovy (two goals, two assists) and Kris Beech (two goals, one assist) led Wilkes-Barre’s offense, as the Pens rallied from two third-period deficits for the second time in as many games.
Wade Dubielewicz, the AHL’s Rookie of the Year, stopped 37 shots for his first playoff win.
Marc-Andre Fleury, the first overall pick in last year’s NHL draft, got the call for Wilkes-Barre, but surrendered five goals on 21 shots in his AHL debut.
Rob Collins picked up a goal and two assists for the Sound Tigers.
Game 3 is Sunday afternoon at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.
