May 24 03:47PM PO-GGE. PO-GGE. WB/S PENS WIN.

New villain to Wilkes-Barre fans worldwide, Charlotte goaltender Justin Pogge would get the start against John Curry.

In the gameday preview, we suggested that all Pens fans in attedance start a "POGGE" chant right off of the opening face-off, to get inside of his head.

The people came, listened, and executed.

As the chants poured down from the Mo', the WB/S Pens came out firing and put up 4 goals in the first period.

Pogge was pulled out of the net, and back-up Mike Murphy replaced him. 10 saves of 14 shots. But I thought "you boys are scared?"

 

Dustin Jeffrey, who had just arrived in Wilkes-Barre in time for the game, scored the opening goal - shorthanded, nontheless.

6 of his 17 goals have some on the penalty kill this season. That's deadly. He's like a shark on the PK.

Later in the first period, Jeffrey tipped in a Joey Mormina point shot. He came inches away from hitting the empty net in the third.

He's on another level, folks. No bullshit.

 

After Eric Tangradi was given his third unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in two games, he was benched for the entire 2nd period by coach John Hynes.

Teaching the young prospect a lesson it did, but the Pens looked out of sorts without the Big Dog in the line-up for the time being.

They had another meltdown, allowing the Checkers to come back and tie the game 4-4, late in the second frame.

The Pens even had a 5-on-3 powerplay opportunity, but without Tangradi in front of the net -- no dice.

Tangradi's first shift in the third period after his benching was a beauty. He drove to the net, and his line drew a penalty.

On the ensuing PP, with Tangradi screening in front, Nick Johnson found captain Ryan Craig for his second of the game.

It would turn out to be the game winner. Tim Wallace added one after that for fun.

 

 

 

Game.