For the first time in these Calder Cup playoffs, the Binghamton Senators won a Game #3 – and they did it with some gusto. The Charlotte Checkers came into the game at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena hoping to regain some footing in the Eastern Conference final series, but they instead got the screws put to them. In three games this series, the B-Sens have outscored the Checkers by a combined 17-5. The defensive ineptitude of Carolina Huricanes’ AHL affiliate is somewhat perplexing, they came into the series with respectable numbers on the back-end allowing but 2.25 goals against per game. Where did that go? Bingo, meanwhile, continues to chug along like a well-oiled machine, hell-bent on destroying everything in its path. The win puts the team one win away from the finals, up 3-0 in this series.
On the Positive
Zach Attack:
Zach Smith had the second hat trick a B-Sens player has scored in these playoffs. Smith, who has become an increasing force since rejoining the squad at the conclusion of Ottawa’s season, scored the team’s second, third, and sixth goals on the evening. Erik Condra, Ryan Keller, Bobby Butler, and Roman Wick scored the other four.
Robin and stealin’: Robin Lehner turned in yet another outstanding performance, allowing the Checkers only one goal on 38 shots. Lehner is now 9-2 in his professional playoff career (which began 11 games ago) with a .932 save percentage a 2.41 GAA.
Killer instinct: Throughout the post-season Bingo has displayed tenacity and the willingness to finish off opponents. Rather than ease up in hopes that the other team mails it in, Bingo has surged when the other guys are at their weakest. Case-in-point, last night. Up to 2-0 in the series and 4-1 in the game going into the third, the club could have easily adopted a more lax mentality and tried to coast their way to victory, but they instead turned the volume up even higher and didn’t give the Checkers a sniff.
Negative Nancy
For the second straight game there was very little, if anything, to dislike about Bingo’s performance. Special teams were good, consistent effort to a man was there, defence, goaltending, coaching – it has all come together for the baby Sens at the right time.
With Game #4 slated for tonight a 7PM, the challenge is simple – keep the Checkers on the mat and don’t give them anything to feel good about or build off of. It will be tough, that fourth win in a series always is the toughest. The B-Sens will have guard against over-confidence and looking ahead, but they are in a great position to finish things off tonight. A big push back will be expected from Charlotte, but if the lads can pop in a few early, it could be a short night.
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