PROVIDENCE, RI — The Worcester IceCats fell 4-1 Friday night to the Providence Bruins at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Providence capitalized on on a string of unlucky Worcester bounces to seal the win and move into a fourth place tie with ‘Cats in the Atlantic Division.

The luckiest goal of all for the Bruins was the proverbial backbreaker. Leading 2-1 late in the third, Aaron MacKenzie’s attempted clear through the neutral zone was picked off when his broke. Jay Henderson chipped the loose puck ahead to Patrice Bergeron, who streaked in on Jason Bacashihua for his 20th goal.

Colin Hemingway’s third goal at 1:05 of the second seemingly slowed the Bruins attack, which converted twice in the first period. Andy Hilbert capped off a perfectly executed passing sequence by the Bruins at 2:44 off a Worcester turnover at their attacking blue line. Then at 9:34, another turnover at the Providence blue line resulted in Tomas Kurka’s fourth goal of the season.

Curtis Sanford left the game after playing only 10:17 and allowing two goals on four shots. He was helped off the ice by IceCats trainer Rudy Cantu, but returned to the runway next to the bench at the start of the second period. Bacashihua made 23 saves in relief. Hannu Toivonen got the win with 27 saves.

Worcester travels to Lowell Saturday night for a 7:05PM facoff against the Lock Monsters, and will host Providence this coming Wednesday.