WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON 2, ADIRONDACK 1
Joe Vitale’s early-second period goal stood up to be the game-winner as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton edged visiting Adirondack by a 2-1 count on Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Vitale’s tally at 1:06 of the second period was assisted by Nick Johnson and Robert Bortuzzo, helping the Pens improve to 2-0-0-0 on the young season.
The Penguins held a 15-7 shots advantage in the opening frame but came out of it in a 1-1 deadlock. Zac Rinaldo put the Phantoms on top 1-0 just 42 seconds after opening face-off, but a power play strike by Tim Wallace at 19:33 pulled Wilkes-Barre/Scranton even.
Penguins goaltender John Curry stopped 25 of 26 shots to pick up the victory in his 2010-11 season debut.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton finished 1-for-10 while holding Adirondack to an 0-for-6 showing.
The Phantoms finished 1-2-0-0 on their season-opening three-game road swing and will take on Syracuse in their home opener this Friday at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
PEORIA 6, ROCKFORD 2
A 4-for-6 power play performance helped propel Peoria to a 6-2 victory over visiting Rockford at Carver Arena on Tuesday.
Chris Porter led the way with two goals and an assist for the Rivermen, who have won back-to-back games – both at home – since dropping their season-opener to Manitoba on home ice Friday.
Dave Spina and Nicholas Drazenovic each recorded a goal and an assist in the winning effort, while Phil McRae, and defenseman Nathan Oystrick rounded out Peoria’s offensive attack.
Dave Scatchard (0-3-3), Graham Mink (0-2-2), and blueliner Mark Cundari (0-2-2) all chipped in multiple assists, and goaltender Ben Bishop earned the win with 20 saves in net.
Peoria will now embark on a seven-game road swing against the AHL’s three teams based in the state of Texas.
Nineteen-year-old rookie forward Jeremy Morin scored his first professional goal and added an assist for the IceHogs, and defenseman Shawn Lalonde also found the back of the net.
