Shesterkin Stops 29 as Pack Outlast Devils
Dec 11, 2019By Bryce Grundy
Igor Shesterkin headlined a 3-1 Wolf Pack victory over the Binghamton Devils with a brilliant 29-save performance, and Tim Gettinger had the game-winning goal and an assist, Wednesday night at the XL Center.
The victory extended a Wolf Pack win streak to four games.
“He’s a very smart player,” said Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch after the game about Shesterkin. “One thing he does so well is puck movement. He makes a save, and instead of blowing the whistle, he tries to move the puck.”
“He’s been a rock for us all year,” added Gettinger, “all around, just some key saves for us.”
After a scoreless first period, Boo Nieves scored the first goal of the night for the Wolf Pack at 4:55 of the second, with assists from Vincent LoVerde and Gettinger. LoVerde created the scoring opportunity by putting the puck on net from the point. Gettinger tipped the shot perfectly to create the rebound for Nieves to put home.
“Perfect example of deflecting and getting a rebound,” commented Knoblauch, who was pleased with his team’s effort. “We got off to a good start. We had lot of possession time in the first period. Each game we’ve found different ways to win, tonight was one of those.”
The Wolf Pack entered the third period looking to build on their 10-0-1-2 record when entering the final frame with a lead, and they did just that. Defenseman Nick Ebert’s rebound found Gettinger right in the slot, while he didn’t hesitate to rip it past Binghamton netminder Gilles Senn (26 saves) with 5:02 remaining, giving the Wolf Pack a two-goal cushion.
“Gettinger played really well tonight, he looks healthier and stronger,” noted Knoblauch.
Gettinger’s goal turned out to be the difference, as the Devils denied Shesterkin the shutout with a power-play goal at 17:49 by Kelly Summers, with Senn on the bench for a sixth skater.
Nick Jones put the game away, though, with an open-net goal with 38.3 seconds left.
“From the start of the game I thought we were moving our feet and playing well,” mentioned Gettinger. “We were forechecking good. We stuck with it defensively, and it was a good team win for us.”
The Wolf Pack are back in home-ice action at the XL Center this Friday night, December 13, hosting the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7:15 PM. Once again this season, all Friday-night Wolf Pack home games feature $1 hot dogs and $2 beers through the start of the second period, presented by Nomads Adventure Quest.
Tickets for all 2019-20 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Sunwave Gas & Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499. Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $10 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase.
To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (860) 722-9425, or click here to request more info. To visit the Wolf Pack on line, go to www.hartfordwolfpack.com.
Binghamton Devils 1 at Hartford Wolf Pack 3
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - XL Center
Binghamton 0 0 1 - 1
Hartford 0 1 2 - 3
1st Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Anderson Bng (interference), 5:29.
2nd Period-1, Hartford, Nieves 2 (Gettinger, LoVerde), 4:55. Penalties-Paliotta Bng (hooking), 17:22; Di Giuseppe Hfd (tripping), 19:45.
3rd Period-2, Hartford, Gettinger 5 (Ebert, Jones), 14:58. 3, Binghamton, Summers 1 (Sharangovich, Zetterlund), 17:49 (PP). 4, Hartford, Jones 2 19:21 (EN). Penalties-Lettieri Hfd (interference), 4:16; served by Zetterlund Bng (bench minor - too many men), 10:52; Keane Hfd (holding), 16:06.
Shots on Goal-Binghamton 7-9-14-30. Hartford 7-13-9-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Binghamton 1 / 3; Hartford 0 / 3.
Goalies-Binghamton, Senn 4-5-2 (28 shots-26 saves). Hartford, Shesterkin 10-3-3 (30 shots-29 saves).
A-1,286
Referees-Mathieu Menniti (30), Michael Sheehan (74).
Linesmen-Robert St. Lawrence (10), Mike Baker (11).