Michael DiPietro (© Kris Craig/The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Heading into Game 3 against the Charlotte Checkers, the Providence Bruins knew it was a must-win contest for them. The AHL Bruins lost each of their first two games of the Atlantic Division Semifinals to the Checkers, and another loss would have knocked them out. Thankfully, Providence avoided that from happening, as they defeated Charlotte by a 3-2 final score in Game 3.
Bruins prospect Michael DiPietro was a significant reason for Providence's crucial win, as he put together an excellent performance. The 25-year-old netminder stepped up in a big way for Providence, stopping 38 out of 40 Checkers shots he faced in the victory.
This is just the latest strong performance DiPietro has put together for Providence. The 2017 third-round pick has been excellent all season and notably won the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award this year as the AHL's top goalie.
In 40 regular-season games for Providence this campaign, DiPietro had a 26-8-5 record, a .927 save percentage, and a 2.05 goals-against average. He has also been very good for the AHL squad during the post-season, as his 1.86 goals-against average and .928 save percentage in six games effectively demonstrate.
It will now be interesting to see how DiPietro builds off his excellent Game 3 start from here. If he keeps playing like this, Providence will be very hard to beat.
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