Chirps from Center Ice

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Wow. Haven’t seen that in a while.

No, not a Pens win, there have been plenty those.

Four goals scored by the Penguins. Two in the first period. First time since January 19 in a 3-0 win vs. St. John’s. But another one goal game, one that the Pens win in overtime 4-3 off of a Chad Kolarik overtime game winner.

Or else it seemed that way. Tom Grace on radio called it to Paul Thompson. Earlier, on the second WBS goal, Kolarik looked to have scored the goal cleanly but the goal was credited to Jayson Megna. Regardless, an ironic night for Kolarik.

Tale of two teams for the Pens. They jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first, play relaxed in the second and Portland ties it in a span of 1:27. Both teams trade goals in the third then Thompson Kolarik scores the game winner.

Brad Thiessen vs. Mike Lee

First Period: Pens jump out to a 2-0 lead after pretty much dominating the Pirates in all facets of play. Penalty kill was solid. A Joe Morrow power play goal put them on the board first. Chad Kolarik Jayson Megna scores five on five, which was masterful. The Pens played like they were going to come out of the period with the lead and they did.

Second Period: The scouting report against the Penguins must be, “at some time they let off. when they do, you must capitalize.” Chris Conner scores four on four. I noted on the Twitter call that the Pens let off. Sure enough, Chris Brown scores from the right dot on a power play and it’s a tie game. Pens respond with a great late shift, Pirates looked gassed.

Third Period: Chris Brown again. Comes in on a breakaway after Joey Mormina gambles on a pinch and scores. First regulation lead by the Pirates in the season series. At this point I wouldn’t have blamed you if you thought things were bleak with the way goals have been so scarce for the Pens. But Joey Mormina fires a shot from the blue line, Bobby Farnham corrals it and Zach Sill bangs one home for a 3-3 game. Pens woke up after this, started moving their legs, got a power play they weren’t able to score on and it was on to….

Overtime: … but not before there were carry over penalties from the end of the third. Pens would come away with a power play. An Alex Grant point shot from the blueline is sent in and Paul Thompson Chad Kolarik scores the game winner.

Three Stars: 3) Zach Sill (goal, +1) 2) Chris Brown (two goals, even) and 1) Chad Kolarik (goal, assist, +1)

Around the Division: Syracuse scores four unanswered in Newfoundland and wins 4-2 over the IceCaps. Binghamton wins in overtime vs. the Rochester Americans 4-3 and Hershey is swept by Norfolk this weekend, losers tonight 4-1 to the Admirals.

Standings: Syracuse 79 — Binghamton — 76 — Penguins 65 — Hershey 64 — Norfolk 59

Admirals making noise now on the Pens and Bears, who I think will play a game of leapfrog all the way to April. If either one slips, Norfolk will be right there ready to step in.

Conference: 1) SYR (79) 2) SPR (75) 3) PRO (75) 4) BNG (76) 5) POR (71) 6) WBS (65) 7) HER (64) 8) MCH (62)

SendToNews Highlights: I don’t think Portland has them either.

Wheeling Update: Wheeling wins 3-1 vs. the Reading Royals. Scott Zurevinski was 1-2-3.

Pens bus to Manchester tonight for a 5 p.m. tilt with the Monarchs Sunday afternoon. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour. Gameday will be here on the blog at 1.

Let’s Go Pens!