Greetings from the radio booth, where the Bears will take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in just a little bit. After dispatching the Penguins an evening ago, Hershey will try to forge its way back into first place with a regulation victory. It’s also the finale of a three-game home stand for Bob Woods and friends Sunday. A three-game road trip through New England starts Friday in Lowell. Here’s what’s happening Sunday:
-Roster moves are the order of the day, with Washington recalling goaltender Simeon Varlamov and assigning Michal Neuvirth. I think we all saw that coming at some point. Combine the fact that Washington leaves on a five-game road trip today and Varlamov’s strong outing Saturday night, the time seems to be right for the Caps to pull the trigger. Brian Pothier was also recalled from his conditioning stint earlier today, he will accompany Washington on its trip as well. It was nice to have him here while it lasted, and we wish him the best as he continues his comeback.
-Daren Machesney will draw the start this afternoon for the Bears in this critical East Division matchup. Neuvirth is here and backing up today, and will likely make his first start for Hershey since February 8 at Lowell on Friday. With three games in three nights next weekend, the coaching staff will need both goaltenders pulling their collective weight to chase or keep first place in the division race.
-With Pothier recalled to Washington, Tyler Sloan will re-enter the lineup Sunday. He’ll be paired with Bryan Helmer. Dean Arsene, who had a terrific game Saturday against the Penguins, will skate with Staffan Kronwall today. Karl Alzner and Sami Lepisto will be the third pairing.
-Slight change on the front line today, with Alexandre Giroux playing with Francois Bouchard and Mathieu Perreault. Chris Bourque is on the second line today with Kyle Wilson and Andrew Gordon. The third and fourth lines, the most effective seemingly on Saturday, remain intact. Graham Mink and his two goals from last night are back with Oskar Osala and Jay Beagle. Grant McNeill, he of the game-winning goal Saturday, skates again with Steve Pinizzotto and Andrew Joudrey. I really liked the way that line played in the third period, and G-Mac was a real force in last night’s game all the way around. |
