Faceoff Factor

WB/S Pens are all heart; eliminated from AHL playoffs

Eric Politowski | WBS "Baby" Penguins

May 14, 05:56 PM | Hype this story!

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins were shutout two games in a row, game 6 and game 7, by the Hershey Bears’ goaltender Michal Neuvirth.

The Penguins finished their checks, and battled as hard as they knew how, but were defeated by the stronger Hershey team. Or were they?

The Wilkes-Barre squad looked different to me in game 7. They didn’t look like they had all season long. Today, Jonathan Bombulie told us exactly why on his Penguins Insider blog.

After game 5 of the series, the media reported that goaltender John Curry was injured and wouldn’t be able to participate in any further action. He injured his knee and attempted to take painkillers to ease his knee, but couldn’t make it through. Adam Berkhoel was brought in and did an admiral job.. he was injured too. Berkhoel had to have his knee drained six times during the last two games, and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow.

Grinding forward Tim Wallace missed most of the series and only took part in 7 postseason games. He had a broken collarbone.

Janne Pesonen was in the line-up in game 7 and despite playing in only 5 playoff games, tallied 6 points. He had a broken hand.

Andy Wozniewski played in game 7 as well. He had a broken foot.

Towering defenseman Joey Mormina didn’t miss one playoff game the entire run. He had a high ankle sprain.

To add, Dustin Jeffrey, Connor James, and Bill Thomas all had knee injuries.

Paul Bissonnette is recovering from successful wrist surgery, and plans to be ready for next year’s training camp.

Aaron Boogaard needs shoulder surgery, and prospects Joey Haddad (knee) and Eric Tangradi (hand) both need surgery.

Tough defenseman Deryk Engelland still hasn’t missed a single game in a Penguins uniform since he was signed two seasons ago.

After it was all said and done, the Penguins showed immense courage and will to fight through this series, and take a healthy tough smart Hershey Bears team to game 7.

The Penguins are all heart, and it shows when half of the guys are battling through serious injuries, and still giving their all.