The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins dropped their second and final preseason game, 2-0, to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Thursday.
Wilkes-Barre split its two preseason games after winning Sunday's game against the Binghamton Devils, 5-1.
"The effort that we put out, we battled to the end there," coach J.D. Forrest said after Thursday's game. "That's what we've been looking for this whole time. I think that was a continuation of what we saw in Binghamton, as far as what kind of work our guys are putting in. We've got some areas that we need to work on, but we figured that would be the case given the timeframe here with training camp and everything. We'll take care of some things tomorrow and get ready for the regular season."
One of the bright spots in the loss was Emil Larmi, who started and finished both of Wilkes-Barre's preseason games. He stopped 29 of 31 shots on Thursday.
"I only see (Larmi's confidence) climbing," Forrest told me after the game. "He's working a lot with our goaltending development coach Andy Chiodo, they have a good relationship. I think he trusts the input he gets from Andy. Larmi's putting a lot of work in to get his game where he wants it to get. We were real happy with his last game, and we're real happy with this game. Moving forward, it's only going to improve."
The Phantoms' first goal came after a Josh Maniscalco turnover led to a 2-on-1 with Justin Almeida being the Penguins' only man back. Larmi made the initial stop on Chris Bigras' shot from the slot, but Bigras quickly picked up his own rebound and put it past Larmi.
Lehigh Valley's Tyler Wotherspoon extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the third period with a shot through traffic from the blue line.
Wilkes-Barre's penalty kill was another strong spot in the game, going 5-for-5. The penalty kill was perfect this preseason after going 3-for-3 against the Devils.
"I think on the penalty kill, we've been doing a great job," said Forrest. "But there's also spots there that we'd like to clean up and dial in a little bit. But that takes some time."
The power play was shutout for a second straight game, going 0-for-4 in this game after going 0-for-3 last game.
"That's something that takes a little bit of getting used to," Forrest said of the power play. "Personnel, guys getting used to each other, some timing. There's a little bit more that you have to get a feel for."
Forrest said earlier in training camp that the early games of the regular season might have a sloppy feel to them, just as in the NHL, as players get their legs under them and continue to learn systems after an abbreviated training camp. But he's been pleasantly surprised in that regard so far.
"There's been a fair share of mistakes on both sides," he said. "But I don't think that the execution is as off as I thought I'd be. Guys are playing really hard. The enthusiasm to be on the ice is there from both sides, you can see that, especially tonight. Both teams played hard. It hasn't been as sloppy as I anticipated, but there's still a lot of things that need to be cleaned up. You'll see things tighten up as we go through the season here."
MORE FROM THE GAME
• Drozg quietly had a good two games, although he didn't score. He's stronger on the puck, not turning it over often like he did at times last season.
"He's always been a really speedy, skilled player, somebody who is slippery and can be dangerous offensively," Forrest said. "We're seeing that right now. But what we're also seeing is a little more compete from him, and some more confidence and willingness to get into some dirty areas. If he makes a mistake, to work to cover up for it. I think if he continues that, he'll be on the right path."
• I also asked Forrest about the play of 5-foot-8 center Felix Robert, who is in Wilkes-Barre's camp after scoring five goals and an assist in 10 games in Wheeling to start the season. Robert was Samuel Poulin's center in juniors.
"He's a little waterbug out there," Forrest said. "He doesn't give up. He's a guy that has a knack for stealing pucks. Sometimes he has to steal them once or twice. He's undersized, but he's pretty fearless. He's a good guy to have to insert in the lineup for us. We'll see what he can do this season."
THE INJURIES
• Forward Sam Miletic is day-to-day with what Forrest simply called a "medical issue." He participated in Pittsburgh's camp but was absent for the final three days.
• Defenseman Zach Trotman underwent right knee surgery Jan. 14 to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. He's still technically on Pittsburgh's injured reserve, but physically in Wilkes-Barre, so he figures to start the season in the AHL when he's healthy.
• Defenseman Jesper Lindgren left Sunday's game after sliding into the boards. He's expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an upper-body injury.
THE LINEUPS
Forrest's lines and pairings:
Tim Schaller-Josh Currie-Michael Joly
Jordan Nolan-Radim Zohorna-Jan Drozg
Felix Robert-Jordy Bellerive-Kyle Olson
Justin Almeida-Chase Berger-Jonathan Gruden
Jon Lizotte-Will Reilly
Cam Lee-Billy Sweezey
Dominik Cormier-Josh Maniscalco
THE SCHEDULE
The season begins Feb. 6 at home against the Binghamton Devils. AHLTV will be free opening weekend.
THE CONTENT
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