Varlamov records first shutout

Simeon Varlamov, playing his first game since October 17, earned his first career AHL shutout last night in Albany. Varlamov was solid in net for the entire game and made 19 saves.

The rookie line of Oskar Osala, Mathieu Perrault, and Francois Bouchard was once again the dominate line as they scored 2 goals last night in Hershey's 3-0 win over the Rats.

Andrew Gordon tallied the first goal and the game winning goal with his 7th of the season 1 minute into the game. Osala added some insurance for the Bears with his 9th about 4 minutes into the second period. Bouchard finished up the scoring with his 3rd on the year late in the third period.

Referee Nygel Pelletier only called 9 penalties the entire night. 3 of which were called on the Rats including 1 fighting major. The Bears only received 2 power plays (one for the final 13 seconds of the game) in the game while the Rats had 5 opportunities but failed to convert on any.

The night really belonged to Varlamov though as he made save after save and had a very good night.

Somehow a River Rat managed to get onto the official 3 stars list after he was a game worst -3. It is ridiculous considering Osala, Perrault, and Bouchard were left OFF the list. The official list was Varlamov, Gordon, and Jenson. I just don't understand.


My Three Stars of the Game:

1. Simeon Varlamov
2. Mathieu Perrault
3. Andrew Gordon

Grading the Performance:

• Offense - B - A good performance from the rookie line but where was the top line on the score sheet? Giroux and Aucoin haven't produced in games and Beagle didn't tally any points either. But the depth of this team is showing as the all rookie line has managed to pick up much of the scoring for the team.
• Defense - B+ - A very good job done by the defense last night. A lot of blocked shots and hustle to the puck made the difference. They were finishing their checks most of the night but I would like to see them take the body a little bit more. So many of the guys just leave guys untouched when they can easily make a solid hit. That would add a whole other dimension to this team if the ENTIRE team would start hitting more.
• Goaltending - A - Varlamov was steady and in position for almost the entire game. There were a couple of shots that left him scrambling and out of position but he managed to stop everything which is really all you can ask of a goalie.
• Power Play - ? - They only had 1 real opportunity and looked okay but nothing came of it.
• Penalty Kill - A - No goals allowed on the PK for the FIRST TIME THIS SEASON! That is good. It is also something to build off of.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!