Bingo Stops the Streak

Brian Elliott played an incredible game in goal for the Sens last night as he made 43 saves in a 4-1 Bingo victory. The victory stopped Hershey's home win streak at 10...one short of tying the team record of 11.

Sure many of the shots were easy saves but a lot of them were the result of very sound positioning and anticipation. He also got lucky as Hershey hit the post a couple times and missed an open net a couple other times.

At the other end rookie Michal Neuvirth had a rough AHL debut giving up 4 goals on 24 shots. Not a terrible night for him though. I thought he made many good saves and had a questionable goal or two. Not a bad performance against a very good Binghamton team.

The officiating was less than stellar although not as bad as some people think. Nygel's game earlier this season was absolutely worse than Banfield's last night.

A lot of people are getting on Neuvirth because he didn't play as well as Varly....well Varly struggled in his first couple games too. The difference.....the offense gave him support. If Hershey scores 3 goals this game probably goes to overtime cause Fata never would have added his goal. But they didn't and everyone wants to jump on the rookie cause he didn't win the game.

Remember this....goalies CAN win games for you....BUT usually a goalie is there to KEEP A TEAM IN A GAME....which I think Neuvirth did. But Elliott was hot and WON this game for the Sens.


My Three Stars of the Game:

1. Brian Elliott - wow....a very good performance with 43 saves
2. Derek Smith - a goal and an assist from the defenseman
3. Greg Amadio - numerous blocked shots kept Hershey in the game for a while

Grading the Performance:

• Offense - F - I know they got their shots but when you have a rookie in net you HAVE to get the goals. Elliott played very well but there didn't seem to be anyone around the goal the entire night. Hershey had very good pressure but they HAVE to find a way to score in a game like this.
• Defense - B- - Not terrible but DEFINITE room for improvement. The last goal scored was the result of the Bears pushing up trying to get a goal. For most of the night the defense was in position and played a solid physical game. No one stood out and that is good on the defensive end.
• Goaltending - B- - I am not going to say Neuvirth played great but he didn't play that bad. There was a questionable goal or two but he also made some very good saves. For a first game in the A I would say he played well.
• Power Play - C - Tons of pressure and lots of shots on the power play last night. This unit played well but they need to score, ESPECIALLY in a game like this one, the power play has to help the defense.
• Penalty Kill - A - They killed off 2 CONSECUTIVE LENGTHY 5 on 3 power plays from Bingo. Ammo and Joudrey are penalty killing machines!
• Overall - C - They ran into a hot goaltender and a questionable official. What are you gonna do? Sometimes you have these games. Remember....when you are the best you get everyones best too! And if you have an off night you might be in trouble from time to time.

LET'S GO BEARS!!! BEAT THE RATS!!!