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Alex Goligoski had been called up to Pittsburgh after Game 2 of finals against Chicago.
JENKINS TWP. — For a day, Chicago Wolves forward Darren Haydar was the second-leading scorer in the postseason – by default.
Not that Haydar didn’t deserve it, but he had a little help when Alex Goligoski was called up to Pittsburgh after Game 2.
Goligoski previously occupied the second spot in the playoff scoring race, but more importantly, he was the Penguins’ leading scorer with 26 points (4 goals, 22 assists) in 19 games.
“Certainly not having him (Goligoski) here is a huge loss,” said goaltender John Curry. “But it’s not something we can control.”
Goligoski’s absence left the Penguins with a major void to fill.
“I haven’t spoken to anybody so I don’t know what the status is,” said head coach Todd Richards after Tuesday’s practice.
Later in the day he did.
Pittsburgh sent Goligoski back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the afternoon, meaning the team’s leading scorer won’t miss Game 3 tonight.
Goligoski’s 26 points established a new AHL record for a defenseman in a single playoff season. Goligoski has recorded six points (one goal, five assists), figuring in on all six goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the first two games of the Calder Cup Finals. He also leads the team with 14 power play points.
NOTES
Richards’ game plan for Game 3 is simple – use the boisterous home crowd to your advantage.
What’s the best way to do that?
“Get off to a good start. I think we’ll be energized from being at home,” he said. “We need to create more offensive chances and there’s still more we need to do as individuals.”
Now that the Penguins have faced Chicago twice, they are learning a bit more about their opponent.
“If you turn the puck over in your own end, they’ll probably make you pay,” said Kurtis McLean.
Chicago has a potent offense, led by Haydar and Jason Krog. McLean acknowledged that fact, but added, “We’re a solid offense as well and we have to get back to what got us here – hard work and going to the net. We’re probably not going to make too many tic-tac-toe plays like they will.”
Despite being down 2-0, Richards said the Penguins aren’t panicking.
“A majority of the guys have been in a position like this before,” he said. They know what’s at stake.”
GAME 3
GAME NOTES
Chicago (14-6)
at Penguins (12-7)
When: 7:35 p.m. today (tickets still available)
Where: Wachovia Arena
Series: Chicago leads 2-0
Last game: Wolves 4, Penguins 2
Scouting the Wolves: Not surprisingly, Haydar and Krog lead the Wolves in scoring (4 points each) after the first two games of the series. Defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski is third on the team with three points.
Keep an eye on
For the Penguins – Goaltender John Curry: His numbers aren’t pretty after the first two games against the Wolves (4.60 GAA, .859 save percentage). But it’s at home where the rookie goaltender shines, especially in the postseason. His record is 8-2 at home, and Curry has given up 23 goals in 10 games (2.30 GAA).
For the Wolves – Like Curry, the numbers for Wolves goaltender Ondrej Pavelec after the first two games aren’t spectacular. He has a 3.00 GAA and a .895 save percentage. His road record in the postseason is 4-4, but his goals against average is 2.50 and his save percentage is .912 in those games.