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Wow. Haven’t seen that in a while.

No, not a Pens win, there have been plenty those.

Four goals scored by the Penguins. Two in the first period. First time since January 19 in a 3-0 win vs. St. John’s. But another one goal game, one that the Pens win in overtime 4-3 off of a Chad Kolarik overtime game winner.

Or else it seemed that way. Tom Grace on radio called it to Paul Thompson. Earlier, on the second WBS goal, Kolarik looked to have scored the goal cleanly but the goal was credited to Jayson Megna. Regardless, an ironic night for Kolarik.

Tale of two teams for the Pens. They jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first, play relaxed in the second and Portland ties it in a span of 1:27. Both teams trade goals in the third then Thompson Kolarik scores the game winner.

Brad Thiessen vs. Mike Lee

First Period: Pens jump out to a 2-0 lead after pretty much dominating the Pirates in all facets of play. Penalty kill was solid. A Joe Morrow power play goal put them on the board first. Chad Kolarik Jayson Megna scores five on five, which was masterful. The Pens played like they were going to come out of the period with the lead and they did.

Second Period: The scouting report against the Penguins must be, “at some time they let off. when they do, you must capitalize.” Chris Conner scores four on four. I noted on the Twitter call that the Pens let off. Sure enough, Chris Brown scores from the right dot on a power play and it’s a tie game. Pens respond with a great late shift, Pirates looked gassed.

Third Period: Chris Brown again. Comes in on a breakaway after Joey Mormina gambles on a pinch and scores. First regulation lead by the Pirates in the season series. At this point I wouldn’t have blamed you if you thought things were bleak with the way goals have been so scarce for the Pens. But Joey Mormina fires a shot from the blue line, Bobby Farnham corrals it and Zach Sill bangs one home for a 3-3 game. Pens woke up after this, started moving their legs, got a power play they weren’t able to score on and it was on to….

Overtime: … but not before there were carry over penalties from the end of the third. Pens would come away with a power play. An Alex Grant point shot from the blueline is sent in and Paul Thompson Chad Kolarik scores the game winner.

Three Stars: 3) Zach Sill (goal, +1) 2) Chris Brown (two goals, even) and 1) Chad Kolarik (goal, assist, +1)

Around the Division: Syracuse scores four unanswered in Newfoundland and wins 4-2 over the IceCaps. Binghamton wins in overtime vs. the Rochester Americans 4-3 and Hershey is swept by Norfolk this weekend, losers tonight 4-1 to the Admirals.

Standings: Syracuse 79 — Binghamton — 76 — Penguins 65 — Hershey 64 — Norfolk 59

Admirals making noise now on the Pens and Bears, who I think will play a game of leapfrog all the way to April. If either one slips, Norfolk will be right there ready to step in.

Conference: 1) SYR (79) 2) SPR (75) 3) PRO (75) 4) BNG (76) 5) POR (71) 6) WBS (65) 7) HER (64) 8) MCH (62)

SendToNews Highlights: I don’t think Portland has them either.

Wheeling Update: Wheeling wins 3-1 vs. the Reading Royals. Scott Zurevinski was 1-2-3.

Pens bus to Manchester tonight for a 5 p.m. tilt with the Monarchs Sunday afternoon. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour. Gameday will be here on the blog at 1.

Let’s Go Pens!

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The offensive woes continue.

The Penguins kicked off their seven game road trip in Providence and were shutout 2-0. Michael Hutchinson makes 20 saves for the clean sheet.

Cody Wild, Steve MacIntyre and Jasyon Megna were the scratches. Tom Grace said on radio pregame that Megna was driven up today by a WBS front office staffer and didn’t make the bus trip yesterday so as not to infect the bus with the stomach bug he had.

Jeff Zatkoff vs. the aforementioned Michael Hutchinson

First Period: Could best be described as a feeling out period for the two teams. The Pens had the better of the power plays but only took three shots on goal and only allowed the P-Bruins the same amount. It would be the lowest amount of shots taken by both teams all season.

Second Period: For two teams that only play each other twice in a year, there were five fights, including four in 7:34 and 79 PIMs. Zach Sill fought Tyler Randell. Randell clipped Sill with a punch that dropped him. Colby Cohen and Paul Thompson fought after a scrum in front of Hutchinson’s net. Then Bobby Farnham fought David Warsofsky, Christiaan Minella / Kevan Miller. Pens had to penalty kill halfway through the period but dispensed of the Providence power plays. Then, Bobby Robins, the AHL’s penalty minutes leader, charges Philip Samuelsson then fights him. Robins would get a five minute major for charging. The Pens, during the extended power play, only manage a single shot on goal and the P-Bruins played “bend but not break” and killed it.

Third Period: The P-Bruins looked out for blood. Zatkoff made save after save. Alex Grant takes an interference call. Jamie Tardif feeds Craig Cunningham on the back door. Power play goal. Pens get a power play. Puck flutters just past the cage of Hutchinson. No goal. Then the Bruins continue to pressure, come in three on two and score. That would be all the offense that the P-Bruins would need. Zatkoff was pulled but the Penguins did not score a goal.

Three Stars: 3) Jamie Tardif (assist, even) 2) Michael Hutchinson (20 save shutout) 1) Craig Cunningham (goal)

Around the Division: Binghamton shuts out Connecticut at home, 3-0. Syracuse takes down St. John’s in a shootout 3-2. Hershey was dropkicked by the Norfolk Admirals in Virginia 5-1.

Standings: Syracuse 77 — Binghamton 74 — Hershey 64 — Penguins 63 — Norfolk 57

Conference: 1) SYR (77) 2) SPR (75) 3) PRO (73) 4) BNG (74) 5) POR (70) 6) HER (64) 7) WBS (63) 8) MCH (62)

SendToNews Highlights: I don’t think Providence has them.

Wheeling Update: Wheeling wins 5-2 in Trenton.

Pens travel to Portland for a 7 p.m. game against the Pirates. I will have the Gameday setup here for you at 3 p.m.

Let’s Go Pens!