First period goals by Rob Schremp (a rocket from the slot and the first of his pro career) and Maxime Talbot gave the Penguins some breathing space. But it was a great individual effort by Stephen Dixon that may have proven to be the straw that broke the Sound Tigers’ back.

Former Penguin Drew Fata was carrying the puck out of the Bridgeport zone seven minutes into the second period, but a poke check by Dixon allowed the puck to squirt loose. The second year pro then drove the net two-on-none with Jonathan Filewich before collecting his first tally of the season.

“I just got a stick on the other guy’s stick. The puck popped out,” Dixon explained. “The goalie kind of thought I was going to pass, and I just pulled it over to my backhand.”

Richards was not only impressed with the play, but with the way Dixon played during both contests on the weekend.

“He’s a steady player. He’s a very, very reliable player, very trustworthy,” he stated. “And as a coach, that’s what you want. When the game’s on the line or there’s a critical situation, you go to the players that you trust the most, and he’s one of those players.”

Peter Ferraro broke Jeff Deslauriers’ shutout bid with a power play goal midway through the second period, but Kyle Brodziak blasted a one-timer past netminder Billy Thompson, who got the surprise start after Wade Dubielewicz was recalled by the New York Islanders earlier in the week.

“I think Brodziak’s goal really demoralized them, really took the steam out of them,” said Richards.

Deslauriers turned in a second consecutive strong performance, stopping 22 shots to record his second win in less than 24 hours.

“He was really good again,” said Richards. “What I like about him is he just seems like he’s in control. He’s catching pucks, trapping pucks, and he’s not giving the opponents second opportunities. He makes life a lot easier for everyone playing in front of him.”

The Penguins will now have six days between games before taking on the Albany River Rats in a home and home series next weekend. The first 5,000 fans attending Saturday night’s contest will receive a 13-month Penguins team calendar, sponsored by Coors Light. Get your tickets now by calling 693-4100 or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.

NOTES: Tim Wallace made his professional debut, going scoreless and even…Pens scratches were Daniel Carcillo, Ryan Lannon, Dennis Bonvie and Marc-Antoine Pouliot…Erik Christensen extended his point streak to four games, but Jonathan Filewich had his stopped after recording multiple points in his first three games.