This is it. Two teams with identical records with first place on the line.
The Binghamton Senators can clinch the division with a win tonight over the Penguins. Simple as that. They will own the tiebreaker point with a victory giving them the East Division title and third seed in the Eastern Conference, and play spoilers on Saturday night against the Norfolk Admirals who are battling for a playoff berth along with the Hershey Bears. This is going to be huge, between two long time rivals, as the Arena should be rocking while the Senators look to end their three game losing streak in the biggest game of the season. If you’re not stoked for this one, then you’re not a true B-Sens fan.
(42-24-3-5) 92 pts
/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.eiDTkNPD.dpuf(8-4-0-0) 16 pts
Tied for First in East Division
VS.
(42-24-3-5) 92 pts
Tied for First in East Division
Pre-Game Notes
The Pens have Chris Conner, Simon Despres, Harry Zolnierczyk and Chuck Kobasew who all were sent down by Pittsburgh earlier this week which gives them seven vets, two over the limit that will have to be healthy scratches. Penguins also have a goaltending situation similar to Binghamton’s as veteran Peter Mannino is now their main man in net with rookie Eric Hartzell struggling but in back up mode while veteran Jeff Deslauriers is out with the same groin injury that Nathan Lawson is suffering from.
Speaking of Lawson, I saw him after Wednesday’s game outside the locker room and there is no way he’ll be ready for any playoff game, not a chance as he was slowly limping his way around in street clothes. So rookie Andrew Hammond will take the realms with Scott Greenham in mop up duties and newcomer Chris Driedger serving as third man. Hammy has to be better than Wednesday’s performance as I hope he’s ready for the big challenges ahead in the post season. He’s no Robin Lehner in a similar role in serving as Barry Brust‘s back up in 2011, but I think he can handle it if he keeps his game simple and not over think what decisions he does with the puck. He’s got a solid D in front of him so let’s hope his head is where it needs to be.
Team Captain Mark Borowiecki (minor concussion) and Stephane Da Costa (nose surgery) are expected back at some point this weekend giving the Senators even more experience in their line up. Luke Richardson wanted to give both players a game in before their playoffs began as both players seem to be ready to return to the line-up.
Obviously many Penguin fans will be in attendance rooting for their team creating banter amongst Senator fans which should keep the old barn active. This is the most important game in B-Sens recent history outside the spring of 2011 and would be the third title in franchise history, as this would give the team a stepping stone in what’s in store for the upcoming playoffs. Coach Richardson has his goals in order since day one in winning the division, representing his club plays well, and being the best team in the league. Let’s root ’em on!
GoSensGo!
Player Notables
W/B-Scranton: Forwards Andrew Ebbett (12g 26a 43gms) and Harry Zolnierczyk (18g 18a 56gms), Defenseman Simon Despres (6g 16a 34gms).
Binghamton: Forwards Buddy Robinson (13g 15a 67gms) and Ryan Dzingel (1g 3a 7gms), Defenseman Patrick Mullen (8g 22a 64gms).
Season Series
B-Sens have a 4-3-0-0 record vs Penguins with this being the final meeting. Last game resulted in W/B-Scranton 2-1 win down in Pa.
Sens Tweet of the Day
Lazy boy theatre seating with @mpuempel #draftday pic.twitter.com/VA4M7NNFHC
— Garrett Thompson (@GarThompson) April 14, 2014
Media
Tune into iHeartRadio for audio and on TWCS channel 325.
Article Pic
Cover photo courtesy of Alicia Strauch.