Calder Cup Final: Bingo’s Offense Sputters As They Drop Game Three 2-1

Through the first three rounds of the Calder Cup playoffs, the Binghamton Senators weren’t just lighting up opponents with their offensive flair, they were torching them. Concern about offense was the furthest thing from any of their minds. But now, three games into the finals against the Houston Aeros, and the B-Sens are struggling to find the twine, failing to find that spark. The club has been limited to four goals in the three games, and just one goal in games #1 and #3. The last time Bingo scored but once in a game was back in round one against the Manchester Monarchs. With the loss on Wednesday, Houston leads the series 2-1.

Hoping to build on the momentum from Game #2, things got off on the wrong foot from the outset. It took 68 seconds for Houston to grab the lead, and it was a lead that would not be relinquished. Houston added to that lead midway through the second period. It looked like curtains for Bingo at the end of two, chances were few and far between; the Aeros were playing an excellent road game.

An early power-play goal by Bingo’s Ryan Keller in the third altered the complexion of game, Bingo was now one shot away from tying it.  Shots, however, were at premium for the home team. With seven minutes remaining in regulation the team was stuck at two shots on the period – a little perplexing to say the least as it seemed as though the B-Sens were carrying the play. The final push was something to behold. From the five minute mark on down, Bingo threw grenade after grenade at Jeff Hackett and the Houston goal, but somehow the puck stayed out. There was a fair bit of controversy with 24.5 seconds on the clock. With Bingo in the midst of it’s late-game tirade, they thought they had trickled one passed the goal line and tied it up. There were cheers in the stands and hands in the air on the ice, but the refs ruled it “no goal” and the play went without review. As the final buzzer ended what was a 2-1 loss for the home side, and with frustrations running high, Binghamton fans showered the ice and both teams with popcorn, trash and other debris. Astonishingly, the team finished with 14 shots in the final 20 minutes. Final shots in the game favoured Houston 30-29.

Take a look at the highlights from Game #3 here courtesy of Hockey Capital.

Game #4 goes tonight at 7:05 PM. In an effort to kick start the offense, head coach Kurt Kleinendorst has decided to shuffle some of his lines for tonight’s game. It’s worth a shot.

Go Bingo Go!

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