Hershey is Binghamton’s Worst Nightmare, 7-1

The Bouchard-Perreault-Willsie line combined for a total of nine points.

Wow…where to even begin?? To say that Hershey dominated this game would be an understatement. Offense was the name of this game. Nine different Hershey players finished the game with at least a +2 rating. It was probably a good sign when the first goal of the night came just over two minutes into the game and a mere 12 seconds into the first power play of the night. Then the goals just came rolling in. Chances are, if you blinked, you missed a goal.

…unless it was the third period. Then you problably blinked and missed someone getting their face punched in. Joel Rechlicz, Sheldon Souray, and Patrick Wellar did a pretty good job of punishing people tonight. The three of them combined for a total of 28 penalty minutes.

It’s already been established that the Greentree-Aucoin-Gordon line works well together. But I’m more interested in seeing what the Bouchard-Willsie-Perreault line cab di. It’s probable that Brian Willsie would like to see it more too. His suitcase might be a little harder to pack up after the game when he tries to fit in those four points he got tonight.

I think the Senators are still shaking their heads after tonight. Hershey’s job tonight is to enjoy the moment, but also remember that tomorrow that they must defend the cup in front of their home crowd. The guys from last year’s squad are likely to be dreaming of their new bling tonight.

See what did I tell you?

Tonight’s Notes:

• The following players got their first goals of the season tonight: Willsie, Jay Beagle, Mathieu Perreault, and Francois Bouchard.
• I’ve got to be honest, I’m shocked that it took an entire 5 minutes and 13 seconds for Rechlicz to get in a fight. Freakin’ slacker. He made up for it in the third by getting in a second fight. Both fights were against Francis Lessard.
• The penalty kill continues to impress, allowing only 1 goal in 7 chances and killing off a 5-on-3. Keep up the good work!
• Souray got his first point from a secondary assist on Jay Beagle’s game-winning goal. That’s his first AHL point since the 1996-1997 season.
• On a related note, Kyle M. pointed out that Willsie’s goal was his first point with the Bears since 2003.
• Braden Holtby won his second straight game after getting his third start in a row. On the opposite side of the ice, Robin Lehner of Binghamton was probably wondering why his coach wouldn’t have mercy on him and pull him out of the game.

Actual three stars of the game:

1. Brian Willsie (HER)
2. Francois Bouchard (HER)
3. Keith Aucoin (HER)

Sweetest Hockey On Earth’s three stars of the game:

1. Willsie: 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 point night, +3 rating
2. Bouchard: 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 point night, +3 rating
3. Holtby: .972 save percentage, stopped 36 shots