Binghamton destroys Portland 6-1, takes 3-1 series lead
Binghamton, for the first time in this series, scored the first goal in Monday night's game. And for the first time in this year's Calder Cup playoffs, the B-Sens took and retained a lead (although not without a minor scare) to win a game without having to fight back from a deficit. With their resounding 6-1 win over the Pirates, the B-Sens took a 3-1 stranglehold lead and have an opportunity to close the series out at home on Tuesday night.
Kicking things off just minutes into the game, Mike Hoffman scored his first pro playoff goal on the powerplay. Portland forward Luke Adam scored his third goal to tie it, but just ten second later Kaspars Daugavins scored his fourth goal of the series and sixth of the playoffs to restore Binghamton's lead. The Senators added on their lead on the powerplay once again, with Ryan Keller getting the puck past David Leggio. For the first time in the series, Binghamton finished the first period with the lead in shots (16-8) as well as on the scoreboard.
Less than 90 seconds into the second, Daugavins scored his second goal of the night, and that fourth goal on just 20 shots chased Leggio from the Pirates net. Jhonas Enroth was put in, but his presence didn't slow down Bingo's offence as Ryan Potulny added two goals (the second of which on a third-period five-on-three) to give the Senators their 6-1 lead.
Portland tried to mount a comeback in the third, outshooting the Senators by a 10-9 margin, but Lehner stopped each of those shots. From start to finish, the B-Sens controlled much of the play, and it was reflected in the final score.
BSens Hero: Kaspars Daugavins
Kaspars Daugavins has been on fire this series. He had his second two-goal night, including the game winner, and added an assist as well. In the series so far, Daugavins has five goals and an assist in four games.
BSens Hero: Ryan Keller
Binghamton's captain had another fantastic night. He scored his sixth goal and fifteenth point in the 11GP in this year's playoffs.
BSens Hero: Ryan Potulny
Is there any stopping Potulny in this year's playoffs? He added to his Calder Cup playoff lead with two goals tonight, and continues to lead the playoffs in goals (10), assists (9), and points (19).
Game highlights:
