Binghamton Senators Pre-Game: Host Rochester Americans
By Jeff Ulmer
The Binghamton Senators face their long time rival Rochester Americans tonight as the Senators, fresh off their 60 minute effort in Friday night’s win over Norfolk, seek revenge after the Amerks 5-2 victory here the last time they set foot in the Southern Tier. This will be game one of a back to back home series with the follow-up contest being held on Sunday at the Blue Cross Arena. The Senators look to begin another onslaught to regain their first place hold in the East Division as the Penguins might be in front for the time being, but Binghamton has two games on hand over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Andrew Hammond should be the starter with Nathan Lawson up in Ottawa backing up Robin Lehner in tonight’s game in Montreal.
(34-20-1-4) 73 pts
/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.eiDTkNPD.dpuf(8-4-0-0) 16 pts
Second in East Division
VS.
(30-20-6-4) 70 pts
Second in North Division
Notes
I would expect nothing less than the Senators to build on their 3-1 victory over Norfolk last night and begin a roll as winning seems to be contagious on this streaky team. For the first time in what seems forever, they were able to contain a two goal lead in Friday’s full effort win. It’ll also be of interest how the Admirals respond in playing the Penguins tonight in Pennsylvania as they simply own the Pens at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Rochester is hurting on defense as it’s a bit thin since the last time we saw them. There has been four different player occurrences as in first Amerks lose Drew Bagnall to season ending shoulder surgery. Then, Chad Ruhwedel was recalled by Buffalo last Saturday as he replaces injured defenseman Alexander Sulzer. Rostislav Klesla was acquired in a trade but failed to report to Rochester and was suspended by Buffalo as the Czech decided to finish his career over in Europe, and finally Brayden McNabb was traded to the L.A. Kings along with two picks for two decent prospects.
Whew!
As far as defense is concerned on behalf of Binghamton, we now have a really strong, tight unit as with the addition of Alex Grant helps solidify the blue line and his potent slapper is really impressive. Chris Wideman and Fredrik Claesson continue to lead the way with Captain Mark Borowiecki shoring up the back-end. Also, the addition of Pat Mullen has been an upgrade over the recent absent Tyler Eckford as he has been a running healthy scratch.
Players To Watch For
Rochester: Forwards Phil Varone (14g 36a 53gms) and Luke Adam (26g 18a 45gms), Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (6g 12a 30gms).
Binghamton: Forward Mark Stone (13g 18a 30gms) and Jim O’Brien (11g 17a 49gms), Defenseman Alex Grant (7g 21a 55gms).
Season Series
Sens have won four out of five meetings against the Amerks so far this season with three more scheduled including tonight’s tilt.
Current Playoff Picture
- Percentage of reaching the playoffs: 97.3%
- Overall position (out of 100%) : 9th in the league
- Won or loss after last game +/-: +2.6 (W over Rochester).
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Article Pic
Cover photo courtesy of Alicia Strauch.