Chirps from Center Ice

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Wilkes-Barre / Scranton’s mastery of the North Division continues, with a 4-1 win in Utica Friday night.

It was not a close affair.

The Comets had only six shots after two periods and only registered their third shot with 4:21 to play in the period, after the Penguins were already up 2-0.

Peter Abbandonato scored in the third and made it 3-0. Utica finally breaks through shorthanded to get on the board but it was far too little far too late.

Here’s how they lined up…

Lineup Notes: The Penguins sent Justin Addamo back to Wheeling and released Libor Hajek. Addamo got shuffled out and Hajek never really had an impact and was taking up a veteran spot.

First Period: No scoring, tons of penalties. The AHL’s top two penalty kills were getting a workout. Penguins by some miracle outshot the Comets 13-4.

Second Period: Goals in this period were scored by defensemen.

Will Butcher’s first as a Penguin then a nifty play, move and shot by Jack Rathbone.

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The Comets didn’t have a shot on goal for well over 15 minutes into the period. When they did manage their first shot, it was too raucous cheers by the Utica faithful. You thought Penguins fans were rough?

Third Period: Penguins notch another goal when Peter Abbandonato, who has been the Penguins most consistent player, scored to extend the lead to 3-0.

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But then Utica scored shorthanded when captain Ryan Schmlezer scored to break up the would be shutout Joel Blomqvist had going for him.

The Penguins locked down from there, getting an empty net goal from Colin White to seal the game away.

Three Stars: 3) Ryan Schmelzer (goal) 2) Colin White (goal, assist) 1) Jack Rathbone (goal)

The Good: They seem to be on a roll right now and that’s a good thing.

The Bad: Would have like to have seen them get a shutout for their goalie, but it was a good night at the office for the road team.

Turning Point: Abbandonato’s goal in the third squashed any hopes for a Utica comeback. You knew the Comets would respond (they had 16 shots in the third) but having to dig from three down after a sleepwalking start is a daunting task for any team, anywhere.

Around the Division: Charlotte shuts out Bridgeport 3-0….Rochester beats Hartford 3-2 in overtime….Laval comes back from down two to beat Lehigh Valley 4-3 and Toronto pounds Providence 8-3. The Bruins eight game point streak is over.

Standings: Hershey 40 – Hartford 34 – Providence 30 – Penguins 29 – Springfield 28 – Charlotte 27 – Lehigh Valley 26 – Bridgeport 13

Wheeling Update: The Nailers played host to the Indy Fuel and won 4-1. Jordan Frasca had two goals and Taylor Gauthier stopped 24 shots.

Video Highlights: AHL Video Center is your friend here.

Housekeeping: I will be out of town tomorrow and not at the Saturday home game against Rochester. I may not have a full writeup, but will try to recap something.

Let’s Go Pens!