Binghamton Senators Host Manchester Monarchs: Game Preview

The Senators play the first of back to back home games this weekend against a hot Manchester Monarchs team as the next four out of five are at 1 Stuart Street in downtown Binghamton where they haven’t been very successful as I outlined earlier this week here. The Eastern Conference leading Monarchs will be seeking win #7 in a row as the Senators will have to buckle down and play a full 60 minutes for a chance in earning a victory tonight.

(5-8-2, 12 pts) Tied for 4th in the East Division

VS

(11-4-0, 22 pts) 1st in Atlantic Division

7:05 PM

Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena

RADIO: 96.9 FM, 680 AM. AHL Live

MATCHUP HISTORY

Both clubs split two meetings last season with two on tap this season. Binghamton won the first 5-4 in OT at home and lost the second 5-1 in Manchester.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nick Shore, MCH – The current CCM/AHL Player of the Week has a team leading 8 goals, is tied with team-mate Brian O’Neill with 16 points, a +12 which is 1 off the pace for overall league leader’s, and a club leading 21.1SH%, all in 15 games played. This kid is something special in his second season for Manchester in scoring a goal on every five shots he takes.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, BNG –His 6 goals and 4 helpers are good for second behind Chris Wideman, but his on ice presence is what makes him so valuable in all situations as Head Coach Luke Richardson‘s go to guy. The team’s #1 centerman will have to find another level in leading the Senators to a win.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1.  Manchester the Road Warriors – The Monarchs take a 5-1 road record and owner’s of a six game winning streak carrying with them in tonight’s match. Hopefully they’ll take this Senators record at heart as Binghamton will search for an upset.

2.  The Trio of  P’s in Puempel, Prince & Pageau – The last name may all start with the letter P, but all three brings different aspect’s to the game with Matt’s scoring gift, Shane’s shark abilities in and around the perimeter and JGP’s prowess on the ice. If one of the P’s is promoted, it’s going to hurt Binghamton’s chances of success as the season wears on.

3.  Word of Life Night – Expect a big crowd as the B-Sens’ twitter account announced less than 400 tickets remain as of earlier this morning that should help in getting the ole barn rocking.

B-SENS TWEET OF THE GAME

*Cover Pic Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch