Friday, March 12, 2010
Ali Myers
Last Game Recap:
Although Albany scored with 10.6 seconds remaining in regulation, the Penguins were still able to take them to the shootout and skate away with a 4-3 victory.
After reigning AHL Player of the Week Jerome Samson gave Albany a 1-0 lead in the first period, Tim Wallace answered back at 17:40 to tie the game heading into the locker room. In the second period, Albany again took a lead on a Chris Terry goal at 8:35. However a pair of Penguins goals by Nick Johnson and Dustin Jeffrey gave the Penguins a 3-2 lead.
The Penguins held on to their lead until the final seconds of the third period when Ben Lovejoy was off for a hooking penalty. Samson scored his second of the game in the final seconds of the game, forcing overtime; and eventually, the shootout.
In the shootout, both Mark Letestu and Drayson Bowman scored in the first round; while Wyatt Smith and Jacob Micflikier were held off in round two. The score was tied up again in round three with Jamie McBain and Chris Conner tallying goals. After a scoreless fourth round, Nick Johnson was able to convert on his chance. Once Curry held off Bryan Rodney, the Pens went to celebrate another shootout victory.
Three Stars of the Game:
3. John Curry (WBS): 31 saves on 34 shots; 2/5 saves in the shootout
2. Dustin Jeffrey (WBS): second period goal
1. Nick Johnson (WBS): two points; game winning shootout goal
Scratches:
Casey Pierro-Zabotel
Steve Wagner
Eric Tangradi
Ryan Bayda
Keven Veilleux
News and Notes:
Wednesday’s win marked the Pens’ 40th win over Albany in the all time season series.
Eric Tangradi is still dealing with concussion symptoms and has been ruled out for this weekend’s games.
WBS Current Record: 32-29-1-2 (67 points; fourth in East Division)
Next Matchup:
Who: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. Providence Bruins
When: Friday, March 12, 2010 at 7:05 p.m.
Where: Dunkin Donuts Center (Providence, RI)
Last Meeting Recap:
Chris Conner put up his second consecutive home hat trick as the Penguins took a 5-1 victory from the Bruins on February 27. Conner also had one assist for a four point night altogether. Ben Lovejoy had two assists, while John Curry earned the win with 26 saves.
About the Bruins:
NHL Affiliation: Boston Bruins
ECHL Affiliation: Reading Royals
Key Statistics/Rank in AHL:
Record: 31-30-3-1 (66 points; sixth in the Atlantic Division)
Power Play Home: 14.3% (24th)
Power Play Overall: 15.2% (24th)
Penalty Kill Home: 79.9% (26th)
Penalty Kill Overall: 80.1% (25th)
Goals For/Against: 174/180
Last Game: 3-2 shootout loss to Lowell on Sunday. Sunday’s loss was the Bruins’ third straight defeat as they came out of last weekend’s games with no points.
Bruins to Watch:
Jordan Knackstedt has four goals in Providence’s last four games. He also has a +3 rating in that time. Currently he has 31 points this season (11+20) and is a +8 rating.
Zach Hamill and John Lammers both have put up a point per game in each of Providence’s last three games. Hamill is second on Providence with 40 points (13+27) while Lammers has 13 points (6+7).
Ali’s Analysis:
For the second straight game, the Penguins will be playing an opponent seeking revenge after a blow out loss in a prior matchup. Since slow starts have again hindered the Penguins’ last three games, they will need to come out and show Providence that they can hand them another one sided victory. The Pens should also once again take advantage of the Bruins’ weaknesses on special teams to ensure their second consecutive win.
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