A memorable night for Erik Christensen paced the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the opening game of the AHL’s 70th anniversary season on Wednesday night.
Christensen, who scored 14 goals as a rookie in 2004-05, netted four goals as the Pens posted an 8-1 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers before 8,168 fans at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.
Ryan Whitney anchored the Wilkes-Barre power play, assisting on four goals with the man advantage. The Pens went 4-for-6 while skating a man up.
Tomas Surovy scored twice and Michel Ouellet added three assists for Wilkes-Barre, which was 5-2-1-0 against the Sound Tigers a year ago.
Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 26 saves on the night, and was credited with an assist on Christensen’s third goal. Matt Hussey and Guillaume Lefebvre also scored for the Penguins.
Allan Rourke picked up the lone Sound Tigers goal on the night, with 7:37 left in regulation. Wade Dubielewicz allowed six goals on 16 shots before giving way to Chris Madden, who made 10 saves.
