READING, PENNSYLVANIA– Anthony Nigro ripped a power play goal and Jamie Phillips made 20 saves as the Brampton Beast won their fourth straight game 3-1 against the Reading Royals on Sunday afternoon.
The Brampton Beast met the Reading Royals for a Sunday afternoon clash. Brampton was coming off an overtime win and three-game sweep of the Norfolk Admirals.
The first period saw no goals from either the Beast or Royals. Both clubs had decent chances but both Jamie Phillips and Tom McCollum made every save they needed to make enroute to a scoreless first. Shots after 20 favoured the Royals 7-6.
The second period saw the scoreless tie continue as the intensity was dialed up a notch. Both clubs committed multiple penalties but both Phillips and McCollum were solid again through 40 minutes of play.
The Beast took to their locker room tied 0-0 after the second frame and trailing in shots 16-12.
The third period finally brought some action, as Connor Sanvido brought the puck in and lifted it over the shoulder of McCollum for a 1-0 Beast lead at 2:46.
Brampton added to their lead with a power play goal from Anthony Nigro. The forward took the pass from Brenden Miller and wired it into the back of the net. Brampton took a 2-0 lead at 8:54 of the final frame.
With time ticking down, the Royals finally got on the board with a goal from Matthew Strome. He pulled the Royals within one at 18:35.
With the net empty and the Royals pressing, Cam Bakker knocked down the loose puck and fired at the open net. His aim was true and he made it 3-1 Brampton at 19:40.
The Beast would end the game with a 3-1 win. Phillips got the win with 20 saves in his return to Reading. McCollum was tagged with the loss and made 17 saves of his own.
Notes: Molson Three Stars 3) Miller (BRA) 2) Nigro (BRA) 1) Sanvido (BRA) The Beast ended the contest one-for-five on power play attempts. The Royals went scoreless in five chances. Brampton will be back home for a Tuesday night showdown against the Newfoundland Growlers. Puck drops at 7:15 PM at the CAA Centre.