Chirps from Center Ice

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Have to feel for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Reeling, three game losing streak coming in, come to Wilkes-Barre and are dealt a 2-1 setback. Now losers of four straight, 2-7-0-1 in their last ten.

The Penguins have been there and will be there again someday.

Only today ain’t that day.

They took care of business in what could be described as an ugly win, and got the two points to solidify themselves third in the Atlantic.

Massive game Wednesday with Hartford, two points off the Pens for third and with an astonishing five games in hand. Gotta make these head to head matchups count.

But that’s for Wednesday.

Here’s how they lined up:

Lineup Notes: As the graphic says above, it was Dillon Hamaliuk’s debut. Matt Filipe came out of the lineup for him. No other changes.

First Period: They played too cute with the puck all night, and it was on full display when Jacob Vrana scores on a breakaway.

But then Owen Headrick scored at 16:33 when Vinnie Hinostroza dropped a pass for him and he one timed it in.

I thought they were the better team at 5 on 5 last night against Hershey. They sleepwalked through the first period Sunday and were lucky to only be tied.

Second Period: 94 seconds in and Vinnie Hinostroza scored to push the Penguins ahead.

Malcolm Subban was spilling rebounds all over the place, but was vulnerable five hole. Go figure.

They were less careless with the puck but it’s still a one shot contest.

Third Period: Thunderbirds had a power play about midway through and couldn’t cash, taking a penalty. They couldn’t score after a timeout and with Subban pulled either. The Pens walked a fine line of pushing for the insurance but protecting a one goal lead.

Referee Appreciation: Give me more of Jack Young and David Elford. We had them in Hershey Saturday and again Sunday and I thought they ran a great game, letting the players essentially dictate play, get after it within the rules and didn’t make themselves the stars. More of this, please and they are welcome back anytime.

Three Stars: 3) Alex Nylander (two assists) 2) Owen Headrick (goal) 1) Vinnie Hinostroza (goal, assist)

The Good: They took care of business, as the headline reads, and took two points away from a team gifting them nowadays.

The Bad: Didn’t score a power play goal. Eventually, the time is going to come and they will need one.

Turning Point: The kill midway through the third is what its going to get it here. You had that “oh no” thought when the referees halted play and called a penalty and had another “oh no” moment when it was going against the home team. They navigated out of it and played, as I said above, a fine game of looking for insurance while protecting a lead.

Around the Division: Providence plays last place Bridgeport three times in a row, and in Game 1 beat the Islanders 2-1 in overtime….Toronto does the Penguins a solid and sweep the Checkers 4-1.

Standings: Hershey 64 – Providence 51 – Penguins 47 – Hartford 45 – Charlotte 44 – Springfield 41 – Lehigh Valley 40 – Bridgeport 27

Wheeling Update: Nailers were off.

Video Highlights: 

More Wednesday around lunch for the Weekend Setup. Sooner if needed. I haven’t gone for a walk in a week with how cold it’s been. That changes Monday.

Let’s Go Pens!