Chirps from Center Ice

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Full disclosure. I have been sitting on this headline for a while with the play of Gabe Klassen of recent.

Another goal, this time at a big moment of the third period where it puts Wilkes-Barre / Scranton ahead for good is Klassen’s 10th goal of the season. Penguins win 3-2 in Springfield on Monday afternoon.

Sergei Murashov stopped 25. A goal and an assist for Valtteri Puustinen and Chase Pietila scored his first AHL goal.

Here’s how they lined up:

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Lineup Notes: Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty were back into the lineup. Hayes returned from injury and McGroarty was sent back yesterday. Joona Koppanen went back up to Pittsburgh. Zach Urdahl came out for Zach Gallant. Avery Hayes had a bubble on during the game confirming my speculation that he broke his something in his face.

Tristan Broz was conspicuous by his absence and Nick Hart didn’t even mention him in the benign waste of space “injury report” so I have no idea what’s going on with him. Suspension, sickness, personal matter, your guess is as good as mine.

No changes on the defense pairings.

First Period: Tons of early pressure by the Penguins, shots were 7-1 for the Penguins before Springfield recorded their first shot of the game at 4:48.

But, Wilkes-Barre got lax in its defensive zone when the Thunderbirds finally did establish some offensive zone time, and Simon Robertsson was left unmarked at the top of the crease and after some cycling down low, they found him for a goal at 12:09.

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Not for a lack of effort for the Penguins, Finn Harding hit a post and then Aidan McDonough couldn’t finish a three on one rush.

Second Period: They kept to the game plan, and the breaks went their way.

Four power plays awarded to them helped, by Springfield’s penalty. kill is good and stingy. This helped swing momentum to the Penguins, where Valtteri Puustinen tied the game at one.

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Aidan McDonough’s shot blocked by Calle Rosen and the puck goes straight to Puustinen who scores.

Puustinen would continue to aid the offense, dropping a pass to Chase Pietila who scored his first AHL goal with this one here tht made it 2-1.

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Shots were 18-8 in the period, largely aided by the four power plays awarded to the Penguins in the period.

Third Period: Springfield didn’t have a power play all game and it wasn’t a “lets call one on the Penguins” situation for Austin O’Rourke or Johnny Daniels, this was a legit high sticking penalty on Ville Koivunen which drew blood.

Matthew Peca would cash in the goal when a high shot from the point looked to be gloved by Murashov but deflected and struck Murashov and went right to McGing for the goal that tied it at two.

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But this was a lesson of, “a hockey game is 60 minutes and not moments” so the Penguins, methodically as they were, hem in the Thunderbirds for a good minute and then Rutger McGroarty connects with Gabe Klassen for the go ahead goal.

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What a find and what a revelation Gabe Klassen has been for this team.

The question was would Springfield net another. With a late power plat and with their goaltender Vadim Zherenko pulled after an unsuccessful power play, they would not find the equalizing goal.

Three Stars: 3) Vadim Zherenko (45 saves) 2) Gabe Klassen (goal) 1) Valtteri Puustinen (goal, assist)

The Good: This was a gritty road win.

The Bad: It shouldn’t have been. Springfield just fired their coach and isn’t really contending. Maybe the change at head coach kick starts them in the right direction and this is a game they can build on, but thePenguins should have won this game going away.

Turning Point: The Klassen goal that put them ahead is the obvious choice here.

Around the Division: Break up the Bridgeport Islanders, who have won five in a row, clipping an all of a sudden slumping Lehigh Valley Phantoms team who have lost four in a row. Islanders win 6-2.

Standings: Penguins and Providence 55 – Charlotte 47 – Lehigh valley 42 – Hershey 40 – Bridgeport 37 – Hartford 33 – Springfield 32

Wheeling Update: The Nailers were off.

Video Highlights: Likely on your own for these, AHL VideoCenter is your best bet at some point.

Back at it Wednesday when Belleville stops in for their only visit of the season. Weekend Preview will be up around lunch time.

Let’s Go Pens!