Chirps from Center Ice

         vs.        

0                               2

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That’s a hell of a way to make a first impression.

Playing in his first ever AHL game, a Third Round Calder Cup Game 1 no less, Bill Zonnon endears himself to the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton faithful and scores an opening goal in the second period of Tuesday night’s hockey game that stands up as the game winner. Tanner Howe gets an insurance third period breakaway goal and Sergei Murashov stops 24 shots for his first playoff shutout and Wilkes-Barre takes Game 1 of the Best of Five series against the Springfield Thunderbirds 2-0. Game 2 will be played Thursday in Wilkes-Barre.

Work night, gotta run let’s go……

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Lineup Notes: Bill Zonnon for Aaron Huglen was the only change at forward. Rafaël Harvey-Pinard was listed as officially injured, joining Melvin Fernstrom.

First Period: Seemed like a feeling out period for the most part with no scoring. Georgii Romanov with some theatrics, flopping when aggressed upon. Refs Morgan MacPhee and Riley Brace bought it, and assessed Aidan McDonough a tripping penalty.

Second Period: Get used to the name Bill Zonnon….

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Pittsburgh loves this guy and it’s easy to see why. Nice hands. He played smart tonight for a kid making his pro debut in the midst of a playoff run. He’ll only get better and better from here.

In stark contrast to the first period where it seemed like an even steven affair, the second period was dominated by the Penguins who finally willed themselves to a goal by Zonnon.

Third Period: I thought the moves were calculated, the passes crisp and everyone was cohesively on the same page. Sticks in passing lanes, breaking up rushes, smart exit plays. You really got the sense sitting ten rows up like I do that they were dialed and pulling the same rope.

They were rewarded, then, by this goal from Tanner Howe….

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They bled time off the clock, Springfield takes a late elbowing penalty and with Romanov pulled, the Thunderbirds were not able to get one by Sergei Murashov.

Three Stars: 3) Tanner Howe (goal) 2) Bill Zonnon (goal) 1) Sergei Murashov (24 save shutout)

The Good: This was a complete top to bottom excellent hockey game. Replicate this twice more in this series and eight more times after that and it’ll be a joyous summer.

The Bad: Usually the wheat is separated from the chaff officiating wise. Morgan MacPhee and Riley Brace, two of what I would consider the better AHL referees the League has, had a rough night. Romanov takes another dive in his crease and they buy that also. It was a rough night for the men in stripes.

Turning Point: The Howe goal gets it here.

Video Highlights: 

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More Thursday after Game 2. Talk to you then.

Let’s Go Pens!