Two Bruins prospects score first pro goals with Providence
It's been discussed a great deal recently, but the Boston Bruins made significant NCAA signings since the college hockey season ended.
Two of those signings were Georgi Merkulov from Ohio State University and Johnny Beecher out of the University of Michigan. Both were highly touted college free agent forwards that GM Don Sweeney was able to sign to entry-level deals.
On Tuesday night against the Leigh Valley Phantoms, both prospects scored their first career professional goals with the Providence Bruins. Merkulov scored his first to tie the game at 2-2 in the first period:
Beecher wanted to join in on the fun as he recorded his first career AHL point with the secondary assist on the Bruins' second goal of the game. He then scored the 4-3 leading goal for Providence late in the second period:
Beecher wasn't done there, though as he scored his second goal of the game in overtime to win the game for Providence. He showcased his explosive speed on route to the goal:
Georgi Merkulov and Johnny Beecher are both playing just their third career professional games, and both now sit at three points apiece.
Goaltender Brandon Bussi also started his third straight game coming off his first pro shutout on Sunday. He stopped 36 of the 40 shots he faced to get the 5-4 win, improving his record to 3-0-0, with a 1.93 GAA and a .938 SV%.
