Chirps from Center Ice

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I never took French at any level of high school or college, so translate “Free Coffee” into French for your alternative headline for the night.

We will get to Rafäel Harvey-Pinard in a minute, but a moment for Sergei Murashov who was stellar in the third period when the Penguins were up 3-0 and the visiting Lehigh Valley Phantoms pushed and pushed and pushed. 14 shots in the period for the Phantoms and one of them went in to break up a shutout bid that the Penguins net minder had brewing. While the Penguins did have a two goal lead it felt like it wasn’t safe until Harvey-Pinard’s empty net goal sealed it. Penguins win 4-1 Friday night.

I kind of expect this every night from Harvey-Pinard but we just haven’t seen it this season. Tonight though was a different story. You hope that it continues.

Here’s how they lined up:

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Lineup Notes: Raivis Ansons and Zach Gallant out for William Dufour (WBS debut) and Nolan Renwick, Sebastian Aho for Logan Pietila on defense.

Personal Gripe: At the quarter pole of the season and are we already switching to the black jerseys at home? That’s what they wore Friday. Do less and stay whites at home please.

First Period: Aiden McDonough finds Gabe Klassen for Klassen’s first of the season and the Penguins were out to an early 1-0 lead.

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I don’t know what was nicer here, the goal by Klassen or the pass by McDonough.

Foreshadowing here, Harvey-Pinard had three good looks on net with about :20 left to play in the period.

Second Period: Harvey-Pinard finally gets a goal to go on a snipe at 9:03 and the Penguins doubled their lead.

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Felt like the Penguins were in control all period and a Rutger McGroarty power play goal that made it 3-0 proved that theory.

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All this kid does is score goals. Enjoy him here while you can.

Third Period: The patented Phantoms Third Period Push © was underway.

Seems like the entered third period was played in front of Sergei Murashov as the Phantoms dominated play from the drop. But for this Anthony Richard goal though, all was well.

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If by losing to the Penguins on three straight occasions by a 4-1 score, then yeah, that is how you do it.

Here’s the empty netter by Harvey-PInard because what the hell.

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Three Stars: 3) Rutger McGroarty (goal) 2) Sergei Murashov (31 saves) 1) Rafäel Harvey-Pinard (two goals)

The Good: They keep racking up points and are deep at all positions in a true next man up type of franchise.

The Bad: I think if it’s anyone else other than Murashov Lehigh Valley makes it closer. Do they let off knowing Murashov will bail them out?

Turning Point: The McGroarty power play goal put it a little too far out of reach for the visitors given who was standing in net for the home team.

Around the Division: Springfield rattles off six straight to overcome a this year is no different than last year Bridgeport Islanders team and win 6-3….Charlotte beats Toronto 5-1…Hartford beats Cleveland 6-4. Providence and Hershey were off.

Standings: Penguins 31 – Providence 28 – Lehigh Valley 24 – Charlotte 22 – Hershey 31 – Hartford 16 – Bridgeport 14 – Springfield 13

Wheeling Update: Nailers go into Toledo, a place that is not easy to win in, and throttle the Walleye 5-2. Scooter Brickey had a pair of goals and Finn Harding a pair of assists.

Video Highlights: 

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They will look to sweep the week Saturday in Hershey. More then.

Let’s Go Pens!