Chirps from Center Ice

          vs.          

1                                  3

–

A lunchpail type game for the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins who outlast visiting Lehigh Valley 3-1 on Friday night. Avery Hayes factored into all three goals with a goal and two assists and Sergei Murashov was stellar in net, stopping 23 shots and picking up his first career assist. Gabe Klassen rose from the ashes with a goal and an assist as well as the Penguins took their lunchpail to the arena and were able to win.

Magic number for the bye in the first round is six points with the Checkers winning 3-2 in Toronto Friday as well. The Penguins have a game in hand on Charlotte and the tiebreaker here.

I’d forget about catching Providence, their magic number for the division is 2 and they don’t play anyone good the rest of the way. Congrats Bruins, see you in a few weeks?

Anyway here’s how they lined up…

–

Lineup Notes: Zach Urdahl, Nolan Renwick and Zach Gallant out for Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. Tanner Howe stayed on the top line (I was worried that would change with the influx of reinforcements) – Finn Harding for Scooter Brickey on defense.

First Period: Good thing they started on time tonight. Wilkes-Barre jumps out to a 2-0 lead on goals from Gabe Klassen and on the breakaway from Avery Hayes. Shots ended up 18-6 Penguins after the first. Here’s the goals.

https:/twitter.com/WBSPenguins/status/2040211806971367663

–

Second Period: I didn’t like the vibe. The Penguins were giving away power plays to the Phantoms left and right, Sergei Murashov was outstanding the period where there were no goals. Raivis Ansons had this fight here which was the highlight of the period.

–

Good to see actually, a big (clean) hit that leads to a fight. That’s what the crowd wants to see.

Third Period: Game opened up for a bit with few stoppages but the Phantoms kept the pressure. They finally get one to go when Oliver Bonk tips in a Lane Pederson shot that spoils the Sergei Murashov shutout bid.

–

But finally the Penguins would put the game away when Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scores on an empty net goal.

Three Stars: 3) Sergei Murashov (23 shots) 2) Gabe Klassen (goal, assist) 1) Avery Hayes (goal, two assists)

The Good: Picked up two more points against a rival and desperate opponent that may miss out on a playoff berth this season and this game may be the final nail.

The Bad: Didn’t like the vibe from the second period on. A higher caliber team takes advantage of that.

Turning Point: It was hold onto your butts until the Harvey-Pinard empty netter which gets it here.

Around the Division: Gave you the Charlotte result above. Hershey is in danger of missing out on a playoff berth as well after a 4-2 setback in Springfield. Providence wins 4-2 in Syracuse, Bridgeport wins 4-2 at home against Hartford.

Standings: Providence 103 – Penguins 92 – Charlotte 87 – Bridgeport 68 – Hershey 65 – Springfield 64 – Lehigh Valley 62 – Hartford 56

Wheeling Update: Nailers were off.

Video Highlights: 

–

Back at it for the final time in Allentown Saturday. More then.

Let’s Go Pens!