Despite winning just once in their first nine contests, the Binghamton Senators collected two consecutive home victories this week to improve to 3-7-1 on the season, before losing on the road on Sunday.
“We’ve been working hard all season and we’re finally getting a little payoff,” said rookie winger Patrick Eaves.
The win streak began with a 6-5 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack on Friday night. The Wolf Pack jumped out 3-0 in the first period, but the Senators came back with three goals in the second period and three in the third. Captain left wing Denis Hamel scored the game-winning power-play goal 38.1 seconds before the end of the final period, chalking up a 6-5 win for the Senators.
“Friday night’s win gave us a sense of confidence,” said goaltender Kelly Guard. “Our record doesn’t reflect the way our team is, how we can play.”
The Senators posted another come-from-behind victory the following night against the Philadelphia Predators. The Predators led 4-3 when Hamel came to the rescue again, scoring with 32 seconds left to send the game to overtime. After five minutes of scoreless overtime play, the Senators won the shootout 4-2, posting a 5-4 win against the Predators.
“They’re a team that is ahead of us in the standings,” said head coach Dave Cameron. “So winning a division game is huge.”
“Winning by a shootout is a sense of relief,” said Guard, who had 20 saves during Saturday night’s game. “It’s even better for a goalie because it’s up to you.”
The Senators’ streak ended quickly though, as they fell on the road to the Philadelphia Phantoms 5-2. They return to action this Friday when they host the Toronto Marlies at 7 p.m.