Chirps from Center Ice

vs.

4                                    3

–

Man, these two teams are so evenly matched.

After beating the Thunderbirds in Springfield Friday night, the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins lose a penalty fest thriller 4-3 at home to Springfield Saturday.

At times because the two teams are mirror images of one another, it made for a boring game, like in the first period. But if you were a fan of special teams then the game was for you as there were thirteen power plays given out by referees Patrick Hanrahan and Jack Young.

Penguins get some much needed time off and will next play Friday at home against the Cleveland Monsters.

Here’s how they lined up.

Lineup Notes: Joona Koppanen was recalled to Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon, which explains his absence Friday. Raivis Ansons was in for Libor Hajek as the Penguins returned to the more traditional 12 forwards, 6 defensemen personnel setup.

First Period: Two power plays a side for either team, no scoring.

Second Period: Peter Abbandonato opens the scoring with a power play goal after a hack and whack of a Sam Houde offering.

But then Zachary Bolduc scored on a five on three for Springfield to bring it level for the Thunderbirds.

But the story of the period was the nonstop penalties taken by the Penguins, three in total in the period, which killed any type of momentum they could muster.

Third Period: They leapfrog goals in this frame. Drew Callin sweeps in a puck that Joel Blomqvist makes a save on but doesn’t get all of.

Then the Penguins answer right back on a delayed call on Springfield when Valtteri Puustinen puts a puck in and its tied at two.

Sam Houde was drilled into the boards by Hunter Skinner. Skinner was assessed a match penalty for a check to the head. A 5:00 major ensued. But, refs Young and Hanrahan give Austin Rueschhoff a penalty for instigating.

Here’s where I have a problem with that call. Skinner crushed Houde into the boards and injures him. What do the officials expect Rueschhoff or any Penguins player on the ice to do in this situation? “Hey man, good check!?” The guy throws the hit, gets the penalty and should have to fight if he injures the other guy. That’s the way it’s been for years. I get player safety, but if you  completely strip the code out of the game, you won’t have much of a game left.

Then Springfield strikes yet again on a power play when Matthew Peca puts in a goal that gives the visitors a 3-2 lead…

That’s also Taylor Fedun, who either fell down or took a penalty in the contest, slamming his stick in anger and being given a misconduct for abuse of officials by referee Hanrahan.

But then, with time dwindling and Blomqvist on the bench, Peter Abbandonato comes to the rescue again and ties the game at three.

They manage to get to overtime again.

Overtime: After a bit of a back and forth, Matthew Kessel scores to give the Thunderbirds the extra point.

Three Stars: 3) Drew Collin (goal) 2) Peter Abbandonato (two goals) 1) Matthew Kessel (overtime game winning goal)

The Good: The Peter Abbandonato trade may end up saving the Penguins bacon. The guy has made an immediate impact after the trade with Chicago.

The Bad: Too undisciplined. Springfield scored twice on eight power plays. That has to get tightened up.

Turning Point: Like Rathbone last night, Kessel’s goal in overtime gets it here. I thought about giving it to Abbandonato’s second goal, full disclosure.

Around the Division: Hartford beats Lehigh Valley 5-4 in overtime….Hershey wins their ninth straight with a 5-2 win in Charlotte….Providence beats Bridgeport 4-3.

Standings: Hershey 36 – Hartford 30 – Springfield 24 – Penguins 23 – Providence 23 – Lehigh Valley 22 – Charlotte 20 – Bridgeport 13

Wheeling Update: Nailers lose 4-3 in overtime to the Indy Fuel. Hey, affiliate synergy! Jordan Frasca had three assists.

Video Highlights: 

Back at it next week against Cleveland, who are at the top of the North Division and should provide a stiff challenge for the Penguins. More with the Weekend Preview probably Thursday.

Let’s Go Pens!