It was a goofy best-of-three mini-series but it counts: The Bridgeport Sound Tigers Islanders knocked off the Providence Bruins in the first round of the playoffs, meaning an Islanders AHL affiliate has won a playoff series for the first time since 2003.
Better yet, the Islanders’ most intriguing offensive prospect, Aatu Raty, who arrived just a couple of weeks ago after finishing his season in Finland, scored the series-clinching overtime winner.
The Isles “swept” the P-Bruins with OT wins in Games 1 and 2. They’ll next play Charlotte, who won the division, employed 56 skates this season, have Gregory Campbell as GM, and Dan Bylsma as an assistant(!