Chirps from Center Ice

A fan blog about the AHL's Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins

Monthly Archives: October 2015

Central Division Preview

Comments Off on Central Division Preview Posted by on October 6, 2015

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Rolling right along today with the 2015-16 Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews. We looked at the Pacific Division yesterday, link here, and today we are in the other division in the Western Conference, the perennial powerhouse known as the Central Division. The Penguins don’t play anyone in this division either.

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Just like the Pacific Division, the Central Division has some changes. The Midwest Division from last year remains intact with the same five teams from last year and picks up old West Division foes Charlotte and Iowa. Also added is the Manitoba Moose, playing as the proud affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. The only affiliation change in this division is Lake Erie Monsters dumping the Colorado Avalanche and joining forces with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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NHL Affiliation: Carolina Hurricanes

Record: 31-38-6-1 – 69 pts., 4th place West Division.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Mark Morris

Arena: Bojangles Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Florida Everblades

Offseason Moves: Jake Chelios, T.J. Hensick, Joakim Nordstrom

The case for: After last seasons debacle, the only way to go is up.

The case against: Moderate offseason upgrades to an already mediocre team. Could be another long season in the Queen City.

Media Coverage: Charlotte Observer

Fan Blog: Jenni Probst for Chasing Checkers

Twitter: @CheckersHockey

Facebook: /charlottecheckers

Instagram: checkershockey

Broadcaster: Jason Shaya

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: St. Louis Blues

Record: 40-29-6-1 – 87 pts., 3rd place Midwest Division

Playoffs: 8 seed – Lost in five games to the Utica Comets in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: John Anderson

Arena: Allstate Arena

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Ty Rattie, Eriah Hayes, Scooter Vaughn, Zach O’Brien

The case for: Coaching. John Anderson is one of the best in this league. He will guide the Wolves to the postseason again this year.

The case against: Goaltending looks shaky, especially if Jordan Binnington has a sophomore slump.

Media Coverage: The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @Chicago_Wolves

Facebook: /chicagowolveshockey

Instagram: chicagowolveshockey

Broadcaster: Jason Shavers

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Detroit Red Wings

Record: 46-22-6-2 – 100 pts., 1st place Midwest Division

Playoffs: 2 seed – Lost to the Utica Comets in the Western Conference Finals.

Head Coach: Todd Nelson

Arena: Van Andel Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: Steve Spinell, Eric Tangradi, Brennan Evans

The case for: Grand Rapids boasts a bedrock of talent that is almost an embarrassment of riches. It’s a team that won the best division in the AHL last season that didn’t lose much in offseason defections.

The case against: It’s tough to find a crack in the armor of the Griffins, but if there is one it may be goaltending, and even that may be a reach.

Media Coverage: Pete Wallner for MLive

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @griffinshockey

Facebook: /grgriffins

Instagram: griffinshockey

Broadcaster: Bob Kaser

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Minnesota Wild

Record: 23-49-2-2 – 50 pts., 5th place West Divison

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: John Torchetti

Arena: Wells Fargo Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Quad City Mallards

Offseason Moves: Maxime Fortunus, Tyson Strachan, Zac Dalpe, Matt Carey.

The case for: Leagues worst team last year has no place to go than up. This year has to be better than last, right?

The case against: Fortunus, Dalpe and company will provide a boost, but I don’t see it as a playoff boost. Iowa won’t be among the playoff participants this season.

Media Coverage: Des Moines Register and Tom Witkosky, Independent.

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @IAWild

Facebook: /IAWild

Instagram: iowawild

Broadcaster: Joe O’Donnell

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Columbus Blue Jackets

Record: 35-29-8-4 – 82 pts., 4th place North Division playing as the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Jared Bednar

Arena: Quicken Loans Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Kalamazoo Wings

Offseason Moves: Alex Broadhurst, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Brett Gallant, Jamie Sifers

The case for: Youth and a new affiliation with Columbus.

The case against: You will need to go big or go home in the Central Division this year. Is Lake Erie up to the challenge? Remains to be seen.

Media Coverage: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @monstershockey

Facebook: /lakeeriemonsters

Instagram: monstershockey

Broadcaster: Tony Brown

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Winnipeg Jets

Record: 32-33-9-2 – 75 pts., 5th place Atlantic Division playing as the St. John’s IceCaps.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Keith McCambridge

Arena: MTS Centre

ECHL Affiliation: Tulsa Oilers

Offseason Moves: Darren Kramer, Matt Fraser, Kellen Lain

The case for: Lots of young faces playing in the same city their NHL parent club plays in should inspire the Moose team to lurk in fourth or fifth place in the Central and sneak in playoffs in the final third of the season.

The case against: One of the youngest team in the AHL? Playing in arguably the toughest division in the AHL? Good luck with that one, Moose.

Media Coverage: Patrick Williams for the Winnipeg Sun

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @ManitobaMoose

Facebook: /ManitobaMoose

Instagram: manitobamoose

Broadcaster: Mitch Peacock

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Nashville Predators

Record: 33-28-8-7 – 81 pts., 5th place Midwest Division.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Dean Evason

Arena: BMO Harris Bradley Center

ECHL Affiliation: Cincinnati Cyclones

Offseason Moves: Connor Allen, Cody Bass

The case for: Milwaukee missed the playoffs last season for the first time in ages. They will be a better team this season.

The case against: Better may not cut it in a division that has teams that are already better that improved this offseason too.

Media Coverage: Dave Boehler for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Fan Blog: Admirals Roundtable

Twitter: @mkeadmirals

Facebook: /mkeadmirals

Instagram: mkeadmirals

Broadcaster: Aaron Sims

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Chicago Blackhawks

Record: 46-23-5-2 – 99 pts., 2nd place Midwest Division

Playoffs: 4 seed – Lost in four games to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Head Coach: Ted Dent

Arena: BMO Harris Bank Center

ECHL Affiliation: Indy Fuel

Offseason Moves: Mark Visentin, Daniel Ciampini, Jake Dowell

The case for: Modest additions made to a Rockford team that finished second to the Griffins last season. Expect Rockford to continue the trend upwards.

The case against: The problem which has plagued this IceHogs franchise is consistency. Is it consistent enough to make it thorough another season in a loaded Central Division? Time will tell.

Media Coverage: Rockford Register Star

Fan Blog: None, or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @goicehogs

Facebook: /RockfordIceHogs

Instagram: rockfordicehogs

Broadcaster: Bob Mills

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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I come in from out of the deep end with the Previews tomorrow with a look at the North Division.

The AHL

Coal Street Cutdowns

3 Comments Posted by on October 5, 2015

The Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins announced that they have released the following players Monday afternoon:

Derek Army, Shane Bakker, Mickael Beauregard, Riley Brace, Jarrett Burton, Paul Cianfrini, Sahir Gill, Christophe Lalancette, Matthew Maoine, Ryan Parent, Nick Petrecki, Brett Stern, Cody Wydo, Casey DeSmith.

They loaned the following players to Wheeling:

Adam Krause, Ty Loney, John McCarron, Patrick McGrath, Clark Seymour, Brian Foster.

And Anton Zlobin was reassigned to Wheeling from Pittsburgh.

There are 25 players left on the Penguins roster. They are:

Goaltenders: Tristan Jarry, Matt Murray

Defensemen: Derrick Pouliot, David Warsofsky, Barry Goers, Niclas Andersen, Will O’Neill, Reid McNeill Steve Oleksy, Harrison Ruopp. Evan Wardley is injured and still hasn’t reported.

Forwards: J-S Dea, Bryan Rust, Kevin Porter, Conor Sheary, Oskar Sundqvist, Scott Wilson, Tyler Biggs, Josh Archibald, Dominik Simon, Matia Marcantuoni, Dominik Uher, Kael Mouillierat, Tom Sestito, Tom Kostopoulos and Carter Rowney

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So the goaltending tandem out of the gate is Matt Murray backed up by Tristan Jarry. I think it is safe to say that Jarry did outplay Brian Foster, but don’t expect Jarry to remain up the entire season unless continues to play lights out. I still think that he has a Wheeling trip or two in him.

Anton Zlobin to Wheeling is surprising, but not surprising. You heard rave reviews about guys like Sahir Gill, Ty Loney and Adam Krause in these last four preseason games. Uh, anyone mention Anton Zlobin or notice him? Anyone? So, let him go down to Wheeling and play. If he proves himself a worthy call-up, he will be back. There is just way too much depth on this current Penguins roster to give guys that were here last year a pass and an automatic roster spot. There are a lot of good teams in the Atlantic Division this season and every point is going to be crucial, so you want your best lineup night in and night out.

So that is it, we are set. Defenseman Tim Erixon was placed on waivers today from Pittsburgh and if he clears he may not immediately join Wilkes-Barre. The plan out of the gate is to carry eight defensemen up top. Erixson could be assigned within 30 days or before so many NHL games. I think 10 is the number, I could be wrong.

Anyway, if you missed earlier, the Pacific Division Preview hit the blog today at noon. Central Division tomorrow then the north Wednesday and finally the Atlantic Thursday. Keep it locked here.

Pittsburgh, The AHL, WBS, Wheeling

Pacific Division Preview

Comments Off on Pacific Division Preview Posted by on October 5, 2015

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If you are familiar with me, you know that I love Apple devices. If you own an iPhone, especially an iPhone 6s, you know that the tagline that went with that device was, “The only thing that’s changed is everything.” The same concept applies in the American Hockey League, which begins its 80th season this Friday.

Take for example, the Pacific Division. A sum total of five teams uprooted from their Eastern bases and moved operations approximately 3,000 miles west to California. That is just the tip of the iceberg.

To better explain all of the changes, I’ll introduce each in every division capsule. The first thing that you should know is that the AHL is back to four divisions, down from six, and the five California teams will play 68 games instead of the regular 76. Playoff positioning will be based not on points, but points percentage.

You can follow the AHL on the interwebs at @TheAHL and @AHLPR on Twitter, /TheAHL on Facebook and TheAHL on Instagram.

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Today we begin in the Western Conference in the Pacific Division. The Texas Stars and San Antonio Rampage come over from the old West Division. The Rampage are now affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche. The five California teams are the Bakersfield Condors; who were last years Oklahoma City Barons, the Ontario Reign; who are the defending champion Manchester Monarchs reincarnated, the San Diego Gulls who you knew last year as the Norfolk Admirals, the San Jose Barracuda who were last years Worcester Sharks and the Stockton Heat, playing as the ghost of Scorch and the Adirondack Flames.

The Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins do not play anyone in this division nor do they play anyone from the Western Conference this season.

Here we go…

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NHL Affiliation: Edmonton Oilers

Record: 41-27-5-3 – 90 pts., 3rd place West Division playing as the Oklahoma City Barons.

Playoffs: 6 seed – Lost in seven games to the Utica Comets in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Gerry Fleming

Arena: Rabobank Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Norfolk Admirals

Offseason Moves: Philip McRae, Griffin Reinhart, Brad Ross

The Case For: Bakersfield takes over an Oklahoma City team that took the eventual Western Conference Champion Utica Comets to seven games. There is no reason to believe that Bakersfield will not contend again this season.

The Case Against: A big reason for the success last year was the play of all-star goaltender Richard Bachman. He signed with the team that beat him last year in the Comets. Goaltending may be an issue for the Condors this season.

Media Coverage: Mike Griffith for the Bakersfield Californian.

Twitter: @Condors

Facebook: /BakersfieldCondors

Instagram: condors

Broadcaster: Ryan Holt

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Los Angeles Kings

Record: 50-17-6-3 – 109 pts., 1st place Atlantic Division playing as the Manchester Monarchs.

Playoffs: 1 seed – Won Calder Cup in five games over the Utica Comets.

Head Coach: Mike Stothers

Arena: Citizens Business Bank Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Manchester Monarchs

Offseason Moves: Kris Newbury, Michael Houser

The Case For: Much of the core that tore through the AHL last season and won the Calder Cup last year return to Northern California in a brand new environment. Everyone else may be playing for second place again this year.

The Case Against: The only weakness I see is goaltending.

Media Coverage: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the Press Enterprise

Twitter: @ontarioreign

Facebook: /ontarioreign

Instagram: ontarioreignhockey

Broadcaster: Joseph Zakrzewski

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Colorado Avalanche

Record: 45-23-7-1 – 98 pts., 1st place West Division playing as the affiliate of the Florida Panthers.

Playoffs: 3 seed – Swept by Oklahoma City Barons in three games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Dean Chynoweth

Arena: AT&T Center

ECHL Affiliation: Fort Wayne Komets

Offseason Moves: Hubert Labrie, Mikhail Grigorenko, Brandon Gormley

The Case For: A new affiliation with the Avalanche. These prospects were a Lake Erie Monsters side that lacked consistency. If the Rampage can remain consistent, they are a playoff team.

The Case Against: I see writing on the wall and it tells me that next year is the year that the Rampage make playoffs. Not this year.

Media Coverage: Nathan Mallett for Runnin’ with the Herd

Twitter: @sarampage

Facebook: /sarampagehockey

Instagram: sarampage

Broadcaster: Dan Weiss

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Anaheim Ducks

Record: 27-39-6-4 – 64 pts., 5th place East Division playing as the Norfolk Admirals.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Dallas Eakins

Arena: Valley View Casino Center

ECHL Affiliation: Utah Grizzlies

Offseason Moves: Shane O’Brien, Harry Zolnierczyk, Chris Mueller, Joe Piskula, Matt Hackett

The Case For: Lots of vets coming in to help San Diego get off the ground on its maiden voyage in the AHL captained by the mastermind of Dallas Eakins. You should expect San Diego to be a playoff team.

The Case Against: Will the stench of what was leftover of a dismal Norfolk team be washed clean?

Media Coverage: San Diego Union-Tribune

Twitter: @SDGullsAHL

Facebook: /SDGullsAHL

Instagram: sdgullsahl

Broadcaster: Craig Elsten

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: San Jose Sharks

Record: 41-29-4-2 – 88 pts., 3rd place Atlantic Division playing as the Worcester Sharks.

Playoffs: 7 seed – Lost in four games to the Hershey Bears in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Roy Sommer

Arena: SAP Center

ECHL Affiliation: Allen Americans

Offseason Moves: John McCarthy, Mark Cundari, Frazer McLaren

The Case For: Barracuda are a team trending upwards, coming over as the Worcester team that made playoffs last season. They could be a dark horse that contends in the Pacific Division.

The Case Against: Western Conference is a better conference than the East with a boatload of good teams that don’t make playoffs. Is San Jose a good team or a great team? Time will tell.

Media Coverage: Bay Area News Group

Twitter: @sjbarracuda

Facebook: /sjbarracuda

Instagram: sjbarracuda

Broadcaster: Eric Lindquist

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Calgary Flames

Record: 35-33-6-2 – 78 pts., 4th place North Division playing as the Adirondack Flames.

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Ryan Huska

Arena: Stockton Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Adirondack Thunder

Offseason Moves: Derek Grant, Aaron Johnson, Blair Riley, Kent Simpson

The Case For: Struggling to find one. After a hot start in Glens Falls last season, the bottom fell out. Grant and Johnson could help, but will it be enough to contend with the likes of San Jose and Ontario night after night? I don’t think so.

The Case Against: Calgary doesn’t take serious winning anywhere outside of Cowtown. That’s been made evident year after year with the constant shuffling from city to city and irrelevant teams getting beat night after night. Perhaps that changes with five NHL teams moving operations closer to the NHL affiliate, but I don’t see it this season.

Media Coverage: Scott Linesburgh for the Stockton Record

Twitter: @AHLHeat

Facebook: /ahlheat

Instagram: ahlheat

Broadcaster: Brandon Kisker

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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NHL Affiliation: Dallas Stars

Record: 40-22-13-1 – 94 pts., 2nd place West Division.

Playoffs: 5 seed – Swept by the Rockford IceHogs in three games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Derek Laxdal

Arena: Cedar Park Center

ECHL Affiliation: Idaho Steelheads

Offseason Moves: Stephen Johns, Brennan Evans, Jesse Blacker, Cory Kane, John Muse

The Case For: The Stars were swept out of the playoffs last year by the Rockford IceHogs in overtime off a goal by the key addition that the organization signed this offseason, Stephen Johns. Add in the other offseason signings incorporated in with a group that already made playoffs last season and you have another contender.

The Case Against: I don’t like the fact that the Stars are playing in the same division with five other teams that are playing fewer games with a playoff format that pits you against other playoff teams in your division.

Media Coverage: Stephen Meserve for 100 Degree Hockey and Sean Shapiro for Wrong Side of the Red Line

Twitter: @TexasStars

Facebook: /TexasStars

Instagram: txstarshockey

Broadcaster: Brien Rea

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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We return Tuesday at noon for a look at the Central Division.

The AHL

Preseason Game #4 — Lehigh Valley 4, Penguins 3

Comments Off on Preseason Game #4 — Lehigh Valley 4, Penguins 3 Posted by on October 4, 2015

The Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins wrapped up their 2015-16 preseason with a trip to Allentown to take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

It was an exciting contest to what could have otherwise been a Phantoms blowout.

After trailing 3-0 by the time the third period rolled around, the Penguins rattled off three goals to tie the affair, but ultimately fell in regulation 4-3 to the Phantoms.

In an otherwise meaningless game in the big picture, a lot of players used today to battle for the final positions available. Some made strong cases, others not so much. Sahir Gill and Ty Loney in particular made strong cases today.

Personell wise, defenseman David Warsofsky and forward Kevin Porter cleared NHL waivers today at noon and will join the Penguins tomorrow.

As for this game, the lines were…

Dominik Simon – Carter Rowney – Josh Archibald
Dominik Uher – Oskar Sundqvist – Anton Zlobin
Shane Bakker – Sahir Gill – Ty Loney
Patrick McGrath – Jarrett Burton – Michael McCarron

Niclas Andersen – Clark Seymour
Nick Petrecki – Ryan Parent
Matt Maione – Mike Beauregard

Tristan Jarry – Brian Foster

Harrison Ruopp took warmups but was scratched.

Penguins gave up the first goal to Petr Straka after a failed clear from the neutral zone which gave the Phantoms a 1-0 lead. The hosts would tack on a second goal via power play when ex-Penguin Tim Brent swept home a rebound of a shot that Jarry never fully controlled. Phantoms veteran goaltender Jason LaBarbera stopped all 13 shots faced in the period.

Lehigh Valley extended the lead to 3-0 when Nick Cousins fired a quick shot past Jarry. Play was set up back in the Penguins offensive zone when a hard shot sailed past Jason LaBarbera and out of the zone. Players watched the puck sail out, the Phantoms pounced on it and took off to a three on two to Cousins for the goal.

Off the ensuing face-off, Patrick McGrath fought heavyweight Jay Rosehill.

The Penguins didn’t really, to this point, make Jason LaBarbera work on the 22 shots he faced to this point.

In the third, the rally was on. Sahir Gill broke the LaBarbera shutout with this nice move five hole:

[tweet https://twitter.com/nafsnep/status/650807691561058304]

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Penguins killed two consecutive minor penalties rather easy and then Gill struck again. This time setting up Ty Loney:

[tweet https://twitter.com/nafsnep/status/650809759835267072]

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The Penguins looked to be the better even strength team, but were down three and had a hole to dig out of.

Oskar Sundqvist tied it with this nice shot:

[tweet https://twitter.com/nafsnep/status/650810752073400320]

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The Phantoms found their legs, Jarry was forced into a few strong saves. A clearing attempt by the Penguins hit Josh Archibald’s skate and right to Danick Martel and he wasted no time in putting it past Jarry for a 4-3 Phantoms lead.

Penguins had a late power play and with Jarry vacated for the six-on-four advantage, never found the equalizer.

So that is it for preseason. Here is what to look for here on the blog this week…

— Cuts. They will happen this week and when they do, I will have a blog of who went where.

— AHL Previews. Starting Monday at noon with the Pacific Division and running Tuesday for the Central Division, Wednesday for the North Division and finally Thursday for the Atlantic Division.

— Pregame setup for the Penguins first regular season game of the season on the road at Providence 3 p.m. Friday with full blog recap to follow complete with graphics, links, and a pun headline.

Here’s to a great season. I am ready to get started.

Let’s Go Pens!

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Preseason Game #3 — Penguins 5, Hershey 3

Comments Off on Preseason Game #3 — Penguins 5, Hershey 3 Posted by on October 3, 2015

The Penguins continue to roll though preseason with out a loss with a 5-3 win down in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The game was radio only, so it’s a really stripped down version of a postgame recap.

In case you missed the news earlier, the Pittsburgh Penguins hammered out their 23 man roster and that meant that guys were cut and placed on waivers. Details here.

As for this game tonight, here was a look at the lines…

Anton Zlobin – Oskar Sundqvist – Adam Krause
Dominik Simon – Sahir Gill – John McCarron
Derek Army – Matia Marcantuoni – Tyler Biggs
Shane Bakker – Jarrett Burton – Patrick McGrath

Nick Petrecki – Clark Seymour
Reid McNeill – Harrison Ruopp
Barry Goers – Ryan Parent

Matt Murray – Tristan Jarry

Penguins couldn’t get anything going on the games first power play. The Bears got one a few minutes later and cashed when Chris Bourque found Jakub Vrana for a one timer and a goal for a 1-0 Bears lead. Shots were 10-8 Bears after one. The line of Dominik Simon, Sahir Gill and John McCarron generated the most chances for the Pens in the first period.

Bears had an early power play in the second. They didn’t score, but Dustin Gazley had a great look on goal but Matt Murray made the save. Immediately after, Harrison Ruopp and Max Sauve fought to what sounded like a draw. You be the judge:

[tweet https://twitter.com/WBSPenguins/status/650459606414696449]

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Out of that, the Bears got a power play. Madison Bowey for the Bears misplayed a puck and Matia Marcantuoni scored shorthanded to even the score at a goal a piece.

Later, Riley Barber broke in on a two on one and scored to push the Bears ahead 2-1.

But the Penguins got it right back as Shane Bakker stuffed one past Dan Ellis to tie the game again for the Penguins. The Bears failed to clear and Wilkes-Barre made them pay. It was a dogged forecheck by homegrown Patrick McGrath that set it all up.

The second period ended that way, shots were 21-14 Bears.

In the third, Wilkes-Barre would score their first power play of the preseason when Clark Seymour snapped a shot though a screen from the center point for a 3-2 lead:

[tweet https://twitter.com/WBSPenguins/status/650473182814699520]

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The Penguins held the Bears to just two shots in the period when Oskar Sundqvist scored to make it 4-2 Penguins through bodies:

[tweet https://twitter.com/WBSPenguins/status/650476718499733504]

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Jakob Vrana scored with the Hershey net empty off a nice feed from Chris Bourque to cut the Penguins lead to one, but Hershey still trailed by one, pulled Ellis again, and this time Sahir Gill stole a puck in the neutral zone and rolled a puck into the empty Bears net for a 5-3 Wilkes-Barre lead.

Hershey will end the preseason without a win and so far the Penguins are undefeated. It’s preseason and will be forgotten by the time next Friday rolls around, but it’s always nice beating Hershey.

Penguins are back in action for the fourth and final time in preseason in Allentown tomorrow when they take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Sunday at 5 p.m. Unless something out of the ordinary happens and Porter or Warsofsky are claimed on waivers, look for the next recap to come after the game tomorrow.

Postgamer

More Cuts 10/3

Comments Off on More Cuts 10/3 Posted by on October 3, 2015

Pittsburgh cut down their roster to what is most likely what they are going to head into the season with October 8 in Dallas.

To Wilkes-Barre: Forwards Bryan Rust and Jean-Sebastian Dea; Defenseman Derrick Pouliot

To Waivers for the purposes of assignment to Wilkes-Barre: Forward Kevin Porter and Defenseman David Warsofsky

Released: Sergei Gonchar

Reaction

— I didn’t watch a second of NHL preseason games for Pittsburgh but from what I read, Derrick Pouliot had a rough preseason and was one of the worst players at plus / minus in the NHL. He is not subject to waivers and others that performed better were, so Pouliot was the odd man out.

— I don’t think that Pouliot stays here the whole season. His pedigree is much too great to keep him buried in the minors.

— Remaining up with Pittsburgh for the time is Tim Erixon and Adam Clendening (two defensemen that are subject to waivers, remember Pouliot isn’t) Daniel Sprong (can’t be sent to the AHL because he does not meet the minimum age requirement) and Bobby Farnham (who is also subject to waivers) Tom Kuhnhackl is hurt and can get sent back once he recovers.

— Jonathan scratched together a depth chart. He left off AHL contracted players Tom Kostopoulos, Carter Rowney and Barry Goers.

— Seth tried to, and as Tom eluded to, this is the deepest pool of talent that Wilkes-Barre has in a while. Folks, this team is loaded for bear and will contend this season. Hell, it is going to need to to contend in Pennsylvania, let alone the Atlantic Division. Hershey and Lehigh Valley are going to be good this year also.

— Finally, the door is open for Sergei Gonchar to sign on with Wilkes-Barre. I am not saying that it is going to happen, but Pittsburgh used the same buzzwords when they let go of Tom Sestito. If he wants to stay in the organization, there is a spot at the table down in Wilkes-Barre. If Gonchar can’t find NHL work someplace else (his options are slim) and he wants to stay in an organization where he is loved and revered, and if the competitive fire still burns, who knows? Perhaps he signs on and is with Wilkes-Barre for a spell.

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Back later for the recap of the preseason game down in Hershey later on.

Pittsburgh, WBS

Preseason Game #2 – Penguins 2, Albany 1 (OT)

Comments Off on Preseason Game #2 – Penguins 2, Albany 1 (OT) Posted by on October 2, 2015

Two things from this game. One, the play of Tristan Jarry, who started in goal for tonight and played the entire game and the other the play of offseason acquisition Kael Mouillerat.

Jarry stopped 19 of 20 shots and was outstanding (for a preseason game) and Mouillerat was an offensive threat every time he had the puck. That’s a scouting report that has followed him around all of his career, really.

The Penguins won the game tonight 2-1 in overtime off of a goal by the aforementioned Mouillerat and the sound play in net by the young Jarry, who faced a 1:42 of overtime penalty killing.

The Penguins were in preseason action Friday night for the final time at home against the Albany Devils. Before the game, Friday morning actually, Wilkes-Barre announced the signing of Tom Sestito, who was cut by Pittsburgh earlier this week.

Lines were…

Scott Wilson-Kael Mouillierat-Conor Sheary
Anton Zlobin-Carter Rowney-Ty Loney
Dominik Uher-Sahir Gill-Tom Kostopoulos
Tom Sestito-Matia Marcantuoni-Tyler Biggs

Will O’Neill-Steve Oleksy
Niclas Andersen-Harrison Ruopp
Reid McNeill-Barry Goers

Tristan Jarry – Brian Foster

First period was scoreless. Penguins came out flying, shots at one point were heavily favored for the Pens. Neither team did anything memorable on the power play. Both Scott Wedgewood for the Devils and Jarry for the Penguins were leaving rebounds all over the place.

Foreshadowing by Mouillerat this period. He got open, got around guys and got shots off in the first.

The second period started and out of the gate Anton Zlobin was hauled down and awarded a penalty shot. Wedgewood batted it away with the glove.

Best save of the period was a Tristan Jarry one on a Jim O’Brien blast.

Later, Conor Sheary broke the scoreless deadlock with a nice shot off some tic tac toe work from Scott Wilson:

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Pens found themselves on a 5-on-3, but Albany killed it all off. The Penguins really worked the Devils in this period but weren’t able to get anything other than the Sheary goal.

Albany got on the board after the Penguins were unable to score in an extended power play time when they were running around all over and didn’t actually do anything. A Reid McNeill defensive zone turnover to Joseph Blandisi caught everyone off guard, Jarry included, and the Devils were off and running.

But ultimately it was the Penguins with the last laugh when Mouillerat ended it:

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Here’s (bad) video…

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Three stars were: 3) Joe Blandisi with a goal for Albany, 2) Conor Sheary with a goal for the Penguins and 1) Kael Mouillierat with the overtime game winner for the Penguins. Jarry deserved a star in my opinion and in my opinion a spot on the team. But, that is yet to be determined. If Pittsburgh wants him to play, he will go to Wheeling. I think that happens but time will tell.

I am telling you, the Albany Devils are going to give teams fits this season. They make you play a certain way and if you can’t adjust or take advantage you are going to get frustrated and lose. They could surprise some this season. Wedgewood especially. He was outstanding.

Elsewhere, actually just 90 minutes south of here, two ex-Penguins were in Hershey transactions. First, the Bears cut D Nick D’Agostino. He’ll report to the Bears ECHL affiliate South Carolina. Second, parent Washington cut old fan favorite Zach Sill. He is on waivers. If no one claims him, he should report to Hershey, where the Penguins play Saturday in more preseason action. Sullivan told the media that Matt Murray will get the start for the Penguins in net.

Postgamer

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