Penguins Prospects Fall to Blue Jackets Kids in OT, 5-4

In what proved to be a rugged affair that featured several fights and 84 penalty minutes combined, the Blue Jackets’ prospects nudged aside the black-and-gold kids, 5-4, in overtime yesterday afternoon at LECOM Harborcenter.

The CBJ snatched a 2-0 first-period lead before the Penguins countered on a pair of second-period goals by Avery Hayes (pictured). However, the Blue Jackets retook the lead courtesy of a 5-on-3 power play before the intermission.

The Pens knotted the score again early in the third period on a power-play marker from Tristan Broz in tight, then grabbed their first (and only) lead of the night on a tally by Atley Calvert. Unfortunately, netminder Gabriel D’Aigle, who went the distance, couldn’t hold, yielding the game-tying and OT-winning goals.

Among the other highlights (or lowlights, depending on your perspective). Defenseman Quinn Beauchesne continued to display considerable scrap by getting into his second fight in as many games. However, he neglected to tie down his jersey and received the heave-ho, not to mention early hot water.

Former Devils’ pick Max Graham fought CBJ toughie Ryder Boulton (son of former NHL heavy Eric Boulton) twice. Even the stars got into the act, as Harrison Brunicke rammed a foe face-first into the boards.

The Pens scratched some of their better players, including forwards Ville Koivunen and Kale Dach and defensemen Owen Pickering and Finn Harding. Forwards Brayden Edwards and Nolan Renwick and defensemen Daniel Laatsch and Chase Pietila dressed in their stead.

The Pens’ hopefuls wrap up the tournament today with a noon-time clash with the Sabres’ prospects.

Training camp opens on Thursday.

Former Coaching Candidate Placed on Leave

Arguably the hottest coaching candidate this past summer was Capitals assistant Mitch Love. Boasting an impressive resume and a solid reputation, he appeared to be the front-runner for several coaching vacancies, including the Pens.

Frankly, I thought it was a done deal that Love would be our next coach. Especially, when according to reports, he aced his interviews. Then Kyle Dubas seemed to delay, oddly so, before pivoting away and hiring Dan Muse instead.

At the time word trickled in…I can’t recall the source…that hinted of an incident from Love’s past that may have influenced our decision. Totally unsubstantiated.

Well, it seems there may have been more to it than just whispers. The Capitals have placed Love on leave pending an investigation by the NHL into a letter that circulated detailing a situation that allegedly occurred prior to Love’s arrival in DC.