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Different divisions, same hard feelings.

While the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Binghamton Senators won’t face each other as many times this year since realignment put them in separate divisions, it doesn’t mean the rivalry has diminished. Players on both sides still remember past battles, both in the regular season and playoffs, and the proximity of the two teams ensures plenty of fans from both sides are present at every contest.

“It will still be a rivalry because of how close they are and fans traveling back and forth,” said captain Tom Kostopoulos. “They’ll always be one of our big rivals.”

On Friday, when the Penguins make their first trip of the season to Binghamton, they’ll face a Senators team that has struggled at the start, winning only four of their first 14 games.

They’d like nothing more than to right the ship by knocking off the Penguins and stopping their 11-game win streak.

“It’s always a battle going into Binghamton. It’s a small rink, a fast game and their fans are pretty energetic,” said defenseman Reid McNeill.

Still, the Penguins aren’t really concerned about their winning streak. In fact, talk to any player and one gets the impression they don’t even know about the current streak.

“It’s probably not the best idea if you’re worried about it the whole time,” said center Kevin Porter. “Hopefully we keep it going but at some point it’s going to end. I don’t think we’re going to go 75-1. We’re not going to worry about whatever the streak may be.”

NOTES

– With D David Warsofsky recalled by Pittsburgh on Thursday, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is left with six blueliners. Head coach Mike Sullivan said on Thursday he won’t bring up an additional defenseman for now. “We’ve got six healthy defensemen here. We’re going to Binghamton with the six guys we have and we’ll make decisions from there,” he said.

– D Reid McNeill will get a shot at regular playing time as long as the Penguins stay at six defensemen. “It’s nice. We have a pretty strong back end. So with the seven guys we’ve had it’s been a rotation and tough to get some regular minutes,” McNeill said. “David deserves to go up and I think the six guys we have here will be able to do the job.”

– F Tom Sestito was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and Sullivan said he’ll be a game-time decision on Friday. “Tommy brings a certain element to the table that can help our team,” Sullivan said. “He’s an intimidating presence, he’s abrasive, he sticks up for his teammates and he’s a good hockey player. We’ve certainly missed him.”

By Tom Venesky

[email protected]

Up next

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (12-1-0-0, .923, 1st place in the Atlantic Division) at Binghamton Senators (4-9-1-0, .321, 7th place in the North Division)

Friday, 7:05 p.m. at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, N.Y.

Listen live on 103.1FM-WILK

Players to watch:

Binghamton – Cole Schneider leads the Senators with seven goals and nine points.

Penguins – Carter Rowney had three goals and 17 penalty minutes in seven games against Binghamton last season.

Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky