P-Bruins Clinch First Round Playoff Bye with Rehabbing Derek Forbort in Lineup

Two third period goals helped the Providence Bruins defeat the Springfield Thunderbirds 4-2 on Friday night at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and clinch a bye in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Georgii Merkulov posted two goals and an assist in the victory, while Anthony Richard recorded three assists. Jayson Megna notched a goal and an assist as well. Richard chased down a loose puck in the left corner, wrapped it around the far side of the net, and zipped a pass across the crease to Merkulov at the left post, where he redirected it into the back of the net, giving the P-Bruins a 1-0 lead 4:47 into the first period.