Chirps from Center Ice

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Wilkes-Barre’s trip to Cleveland is not a fruitful one. A day before they are blown out 7-1 on Friday and Saturday they are shutout by Jet Greaves and lose 3-0.

Another game where they never got out of the blocks correctly, getting scored on in the first :36 on the first shot of the game, and the thought of a division lead are getting dimmer and if they don’t watch, the bye may slip away from them as well.

They have another week to get things straight, and I can’t believe I am saying this but I would like to see them play Wednesday or something to see if they work out whatever the hell this disaster of a weekend was sooner rather than later. The next time they are on the ice is next Friday at home against Hershey.

Anyway, here’s how they lined up:

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Lineup Notes: Nolan Renick made his AHL debut, replacing Kyle Jackson up front On defense a pair of changes on defense saw Mac Hollowell and Dan Renouf go out for Filip Kral and Nate Clurman.

First Period: First shot for the Monsters, err, Pierogis, goes in at :36 and Hunter McKown scored to give the Monsters an early 1-0 lead.

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Cleveland made quick work of the only power play of the period when McKown scored his second of the contest that doubled the Monsters lead.

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They managed to settle in, but down two goals in the first ten minutes is not how they drew it up.

Second Period: Jet Greaves was becoming a problem.

Penguins put 11 shots on the Cleveland goaltender, playing in his second game in as many nights, and he was dialed in.

The Pierogis did not get any further ahead of the Penguins in the period, with each team trading a power play heading into the…

Third Period: They had 1:30 of a power play to start the period then another crack at the man advantage but despite this, only managed six shots on goal in the period. Didn’t seem like there was a lot of urgency all weekend and this period was the bellwether.

Cleveland only had one shot in the period and wouldn’t you know it….

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That kind of weekend.

Three Stars: 3) Samuel Knazko (assist) 2) Daemon Hunt (shot) 1) Hunter McKown (two goals)

I don’t think those are right. They give a guy second star of the game because of a shot? No Jet Greaves and his 23 saves?

Around the Division: Charlotte beats Bridgeport 5-2 to take sole possession of second place in the Atlantic….Providence loses 6-4 in Utica….Springfield shuts out Lehigh Valley 1-0  in overtime and Hershey and Hartford went to overtime and the Bears win 3-2 to go seven clear on the Penguins.

Standings: Hershey 89 – Charlotte 84 – Penguins 82 – Providence 81 – Springfield 74 – Lehigh Valley 74 – Hartford 63 – Bridgeport 37

Sunday: Charlotte and Providence rematch Sunday in Rhode Island. You are cheering for a regulation decision.

Wheeling Update: Nailers lose 5-4 to the Reading Royals.

Video Highlights: Only if you are brave enough.

AHL Power Rankings coming at you Monday.

Keep your head up.

Let’s Go Pens!