Chirps from Center Ice

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Tell me Thursday night before I go to bed that the Penguins, 5 points back and really struggling to score pretty much anything that they would be a point out of leader Binghamton Sunday night before I go to bed and I take it. Lock, stock and barrel.

They did it. We really have Bobby Farnham, of all people, to thank. His game tying goal late forced overtime, but Dustin Gazley scored :47 into overtime and the Hershey Bears push their home winning streak to 11 with a 4-3 overtime win today.

Eric Harzell vs. Philipp Grubauer — Harrison Ruopp was in for Nick D’Agostino for the only lineup change.

First Period: 1:01 in, Ryan Stoa scored on a snap shot and the Bears were up 1-0 early. Then, Harry Zolnierczyk took a nice centering pass from Dominik Uher from the wall to tie the game at 1-1. Later, the Penguins score on a power play when Tom Kostopoulos collects and rifles home a deflected puck into a wide open Bears net push the Pens ahead 2-1. It was Kostopoulos’ 10th power play goal of the season, good for a tie for 4th in all the AHL.

Second Period: Penguins penalty kill was really good tonight. They have killed 27 of their last 27 penalties. A few good chances by the Bears but the Pens shut them down, even on one power play getting four shorthanded opportunities in one kill.

Matt Watkins gets behind the defense and scores on a backhander to tie the game late.

Third Period: I really thought sitting watching this one that the teams were destined for overtime. I was right, but it didn’t look like it to begin when Dane Byers is award a penalty shot and cashes going stick side over Hartzell. But then, Bobby Farnham zipped one home to tie the game again and force overtime.

Overtime: Dustin Gazley gets a nice pass from the point and slaps home a goal for the win for Hershey. I really don’t like that guy.

Three Stars: 3) Matt Watkins (goal, assist, +2) 2) Dane Byers (goal, +1) 1) Dustin Gazley (goal, even)

Around the Division: They all watched us.

Standings: Binghamton 62 — Penguins 61 — Hershey 58 — Norfolk 58 — Syracuse 44

Conference: 1) MCH (69) 2) SPR (67) 3) BNG (62) 4) WBS (61) 5) STJ (59) 6) PRO (59) 7) HER (58) 8) NOR (58)

Wheeling Update: Nailers lose 5-3 to Reading. Denver Manderson had a goal and an assist.

SendToNews Highlights: Are here.

Penguins now off for All-Star break. Brian Gibbons will head to St. John’s, Newfoundland for the All-Star Classic vs. Farjestad BK Tuesday and Wednesday. I may have something for the blog here during the Skills Competition and Classic. Stick with me on Twitter or just keep checking the blog!

Week 19 AHL Power Rankings will be out at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Let’s Go Pens!