Chirps from Center Ice

Here are a septuplet of topics on a Wednesday afternoon:

— The Penguins will be opening the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs on the road in either Syracuse or Binghamton on April 27. Both clubs announced that the Conference Quarterfinal begins April 27 with Game 2 on April 28. Mark your calendars accordingly.

— The Peter Merth Effect is back in Wilkes-Barre. Merth signed a PTO this week and is yet another depth defenseman the Penguins have in their arsenal.

— Pittsburgh signed goaltender Eric Hartzell to a one year contract for this season. Hartzell just completed a season at Quinnipiac, runners-up to champion Yale in the Frozen Four which was held in Pittsburgh last week.

— Wilkes-Barre signed a pair of players to ATOs this week. They are forwards Anton Zlobin and Matia Marcantuoni. They will practice, get a taste of what it is like to be a professional hockey player and likely take that knowledge home with them for the summertime.

— The AHL announced more award winners. Sportsman of the Year and Coach of the Year. Neither one play in the Eastern Conference.

— You like outdoor games? Next year is your year then, as the NHL will be announcing a “Stadium Series” next year to be held in outdoor baseball or football stadiums. The Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to play at Soldier Field next March.

— Dollar Drafts are back this Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. Drink responsibly.

Look for the next blog update Friday, which will be the Gameday setup for that night’s game vs. Worcester.

Let’s Go Pens!