Chirps from Center Ice

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On Military Appreciation Night, the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins handled a game Bridgeport Islanders team 4-1. Magnus Hellberg was sharp in goal for the Penguins, Jonathan Gruden and Dmitri Samorukov each had a goal and an assist and the Penguins got back to their winning ways.

A bit short staffed with seven players out due to injury, they have a week to heal and regroup for their next game Friday against the Charlotte Checkers.

Here’s how they lined up:

(I still think whoever runs this account is the great Mike Fornabaio in disguise)

Lineup Notes: None to speak of.

First Period: Dmitri Samorukov pinches and throws a puck at the net that is batted in by Jonathan Grudge that give the Penguins a 1-0 lead.

The Mets should sign that guy.

:48 later, Jagger Joshua’s nose for the net continues and the Penguins double up their lead.

Hudson Fasching scores a goal at the twenty minute mark but time had expired. After a brief video review, time had run out.

Second Period: Penguins had back to back power plays and missed, a 3-0 lead could have worked here.

Julien Gauthier was awarded a penalty shot. Hellberg got a blocker on it and the puck hit the post but stayed out.

I wish I had a GIF of the Xavier Ouellet breakaway attempt. It would go well with the Price is Right losing horn. Ouellet, a defensemen, lost the handle entirely.

Third Period: Karlson Kuhlman crashes the net and scores on a cross ice play that puts the Islanders the board and cuts into the Penguins lead.

:44 later. Samorukov gets a goal to go for him and the Penguins re-establish their two goal lead.

Bridgeport called a time out, pulled Jakub Skarek and Matt Filipe, who was placed in the penalty box for a tripping penalty, scored when Taylor Fedun connected with him for a 4-1 lead.

Good win. Hellberg looked sharp.

Three Stars: 3) Dmitri Samorukov (goal, assist) 2) Magnus Hellberg (31 saves) 1) Jonathan Gruden (goal, assist)

The Good: Good win as I just said. Felt like they needed that win and last place Bridgeport was just what the doctor ordered.

The Bad: They still don’t have a shutout on the season and went 0/2 on the power play.

Turning Point: The Samorukov goal was big. Bridgeport was on the come, just got one and were hinting for a second and Samorukov scores a team goal to make it a two goal lead again.

Around the Division: Hershey…wins again in overtime, 2-1 over Rochester, for their 41st win of the season. That’s insane….Lehigh Valley beats Charlotte in overtime 6-5….Springfield storms back to tie it at four all but a late second period goal by Reilly Walsh stands up as the game winner and the Bruins beat the Thunderbirds 5-4.

Standings: Hershey 85 – Providence 69 – Penguins 62 – Hartford 58 – Charlotte 54 – Springfield 53 – Lehigh Valley 51 – Bridgeport 37

Wheeling Update: The Nailers are out in Kalamazoo and win 2-1. Two 5-on-3 power play goals for the Nailers in the win. Taylor Gauthier picks up the win for Wheeling with 23 saves.

Video Highlights: 

They get a week off, so but for anything breaking I’ll be back here Friday with your weekend setup. Talk to you then, have a great week.

Let’s Go Pens!