Binghamton Senators vs. Portland Pirates: Game Day Preview

After a busy week of off ice activities with athlete’s new and old being dialed in moving into new housing, or serving customer’s in a popular morning drive up taking order’s, and a golf tournament thrown in the mix, the Binghamton Senators return to the ice searching for their first win after suffering a 3-2 OT opening loss last weekend, as they host the Portland Pirates for the first of two games this weekend.

(0-0-1, 1 pt) 4th in East Division

VS.

(1-0-0, 2 pts) Tied for 2nd in Atlantic Division

7:05 PM

Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena

RADIO: 96.9 FM, 680 AM

MATCHUP HISTORY

Last season the two club’s split two game’s with the Sens winning in Portland 7-1 and the Pirates returned the favor in a 5-1 victory in Binghamton.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mike McKenna, POR – The 31-year-old netminder returns to Portland having last played in goal for the Pirates in 2006-’07 season. He has a career 133-113-14 record in 281 AHL games including a 14-22-1 record for the B-Sens in 2011-’12.

Ryan Dzingel, BNG – After Ryan potted two falling short of a hat trick in the season opening loss to Worcester, he returns in centering Max McCormick and Garrett Thompson on the fourth line, which was the best offensive line in the opener.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1.  Bounce Back Game? – The Sens had their opportunities to blow out the game against the Sharks last Saturday but failed to cash in stopped by a goalie having a great game. Need to be ready once the puck drops and bury their opportunities.

2.  Sens Defense – The defense, which is loaded with talent on paper, need to work out the kinks and have better play in tightening up the lanes. Certain player’s that know their role’s, should shake off the early rust after only being together for a week.

3.  McKenna’s Return – Mike returns after playing for the B-Sens for the first time, should receive a warm welcome as he was popular with the home fan’s winning the team’s MVP after a down season following the Calder Cup Championship season previously before.

B-SENS TWEET OF THE GAME

*Cover Photo Courtesy of Alicia Strauch.