Chirps from Center Ice

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Oh man, I wished they would have gotten a point out of this game at least.

They have to fly to Charlotte for a 4 p.m. game Friday. Thursday is Thanksgiving. Seems unfair and downright crazy that you would have a not easy to get to team (Charlotte) host a home game against an opponent (the Penguins) who just played less than 48 hours ago (Penguins lost 2-1 in Hershey Wednesday)

So it goes.

Here’s how they lined up…

Lineup Notes: Besides the recalled guys (Alex Nylander, Dmitri Samorukov (signed an NHL deal yesterday, I thought it was merit based but he was legit recalled) John Ludvig (recalled from conditioning stint) were all out. In were Cedric Desruisseaux (signed PTO Wednesday morning, Wheeling’s leading scorer) Raivis Ansons (forgot about him, but WBS assigned him to Wheeling a few weeks ago, then recalled him this morning) Corey Andonovski and Jack St. Ivany were in. Jansen Harkins was reassigned back to Wilkes-Barre Wednesday evening.

Whew. That’s a lot. I wonder what’s up with Taylor Fedun. Take all the time you need.

First Period: Pretty even period but a bit lopsided. Bears got the first seven shots, got a goal from Dylan McIlrath from the blue line which I think was redirected in off of the skate of Raivis Ansons, then Rem Pitlick scored to tie the game about half way through, they had the next seven shots, then the Pens went on a power play which was a masterclass where they kept the puck in Hershey’s zone for 1:35. Shots were an even 10-10. Here were the goals…

Second Period: Felt that Hershey had the edge in play this period despite it being a pretty evenly played period at that. Bears take the lead when Ivan Miroshnichenko set up Riley Sutter for an easy goal which gave the Bears a 2-1 lead.

Nothing you could do here. Miroshnichenko pursues the puck, two Penguins chase after, he threads a pass to Riley Sutter in front for an easy tap in goal.

That was the difference in an overall even period with a slight edge to Hershey. Joel Blomqvist made a bunch of late, difficult saves to keep it a one goal deficit for the Penguins.

Third Period: Penguins had to kill two Ty Smith penalties (slashing at 10:36, tripping at 16:22) and never gained enough positive traction to challenge Hunter Shepard, firing just a scant 5 shots at the Hershey goaltender.

Three Stars: 3) Matt Strome (assist) 2) Dylan McIlrath 1) Riley Sutter (goal, assist)

The Good: This team can beat Hershey.

The Bad: Not tonight, at least.

Turning Point: Nothing you could do about that second goal Hershey scored (trust me, I tried to find a scapegoat here) and, in a tight game like this, save maybe for the effort or lack thereof in the third, that goal gets it here.

Around the Division: Hartford beats Providence 6-4….Cleveland beats Charlotte 5-2….Springfield beats Bridgeport 4-2.

Standings: Hershey 26 – Hartford 22 – Springfield 19 – Penguins 18 – Lehigh Valley and Charlotte 18 – Providence 15 – Bridgeport 11

Wheeling Update: Depleted Nailers beat Toledo 4-2. Taylor Gauthier with 33 saves.

Video Highlights: AHL VideoCenter is your friend here. I am traveling for Thanksgiving and won’t be behind this keyboard until I open it from down there Friday afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving. Let’s Go Pens!