Binghamton Senators 2nd Quarter Grades: Offense Is Still Alive
By Jeff Ulmer
The Binghamton Senators are at the mid way point of the season and their playoff hopes are slim but still very much alive with the recent weekend resulting in earning four out of six points. The mighty East Division isn’t what it’s use to be this season as the Senators are currently in fourth with an overall 17-18-3-1 record good for 38 points, but sits six points out of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference in 14th place.
The team finished 9-10-1-0 in the 2nd quarter as they have won the last two out of three this past weekend with both wins coming against two very good clubs in Syracuse and Springfield. NHL veteran Todd Bertuzzi ended up a dud that only lasted five periods for Binghamton as he seemed to re-aggravate his knee that sent him back to Detroit for further elevation.
However, his locker room influence appears to be invaluable to the club in his short stay as it appeared in this recent tweet by defensman Chris Wideman.
"All that counts are your family and your teammates" -Bert pic.twitter.com/sIZ7Qmzv35
— Chris Wideman (@Chris_Wideman) January 19, 2015
The Senators are tied for second with 125 goals on average in the league with 3.20 per game. The likes of Matt Puempel, Shane Prince, Carter Camper and Cole Schneider are now the primary point producers with lots of secondary scoring to follow leading with Ryan Dzingel, Max McCormick, Derek Grant and David Dziurzynski.
Here are my grades at the mid-way point of the season.
B+. Having a good second quarter but look to improve in the third. Has that lethal very quick one timer featuring the wrist shot as he’s still on the radar. Kid has dynamite reflexes.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #9 MATT PUEMPELL
#10 BUDDY ROBINSON. C+. A rather quiet second quarter that saw him scratched as a healthy. Excels on the PK. Seems to not be able to finish offensively in getting rid of the puck too quickly resulting in a panic mode. Although proven wrong with his latest two goal effort.. Forward. Binghamton Senators
Camper much better in the latest with his finding his niche with his new team and settling in. Looks more comfortable with the puck and setting up his line mates. Big improvement.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #11 CARTER CAMPER. B+
#15 COLE SCHNEIDER. B-. Expected more than my share as he’s delivered but has been on the IR as of late. A quick thinker with his <strong><a href=. Forward. Binghamton Senators
Binghamton Senators. #16 GARRETT THOMPSON. C-. Thompson has flashes of brilliance but in the second quarter it was lacking. Still learning and gives effort. Has a good hockey sense that is otherwise hidden. Seems to be finding his groove.. Forward
B. This kid plays gutsy and has offensive abilities that will perhaps land him in the bigs some day. Sticks up for his team-mates and will drop the gloves without hesitation. Love his desire on the ice and all around hustle.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #17 MAX MCCORMICK
#18 SHANE PRINCE. A-. Prince looks to be having his best season so far as the second quarter mirrored the first with his offensive output. Wish we had more of him as his talent’s are beginning to blossom as of late.. Forward. Binghamton Senators
C+. Just one of those players you need in keeping the peace and being a grinder at that same time. He’s been solid in his role as a grinder and playing hard in the corners with the organization locking him up for the next two seasons.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #22 DAVID DZIURZYNSKI
C-. Improvement was apparent in the second quarter as the rookie showed signs of some offense knacks as well as dropping the gloves. Better second quarter with less healthy scratches. Still a project.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #27 ALEX GUPTILL
C+. Always the loud mouth as Kramer is one of the best chirping players in the game. Really gives his all in an 100% effort on the go. Love his passion as his team mates do as well.. Forward. Binghamton Senators. #37 DARREN KRAMER
#43 RYAN DZINGEL. B. Looks to be best buds with Prince off the ice as perhaps the two should be on the same line. Ryan gives his all and flashes his talent while wielding a big stick that can produce. Good second quarter from the former Ohio State.. Forward. Binghamton Senators
#57 DEREK GRANT. B. Grant is really having a great year quietly as he’s more involved in the little aspects of the game and likes to crash the net. Good enthusiasm as he’ll never be the consistent goal scorer, but will sacrifice in making what is right in creating offensive chances.. Forward. Binghamton Senators
Coming up on Wednesday, the Mid-Way Grade results for both the Defense & Goaltender’s.
*Cover Pic Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch