Pens Look to Finish Off Bears Tonight in Game Four

The Bears avoided the sweep on Wednesday night, winning 4-3 in overtime. Tonight, the Penguins need to end this series in Giant Center to avoid coming back home tomorrow night for a winner take all Game Five.

The Penguins look to be without defenseman Brian Strait, who left Wednesday's game Three during the second period and never returned. For what it's worth, beat writer Jonathan Bombulie saw Strait after the game and noted no signs of a limp, sling or cast. Here's to hoping the elbow he received to the face didn't give him concussion-like symptoms.

If Strait can't go, then WBS will either slot in Philip Samuelsson or Cody Wild into the lineup. Both played well in Games One and Two. Brad Thiessen was just OK in net last time out, so coach Hynes has a decision to make in net.

For the Bears, defenseman Patrick McNeill has been ruled out of tonight's contest. Another defenseman, Patrick Wellar, served his one game suspension and is eligible to play. Bears coach Mark French said we would take the seven able defenseman to warmups and make a decision on the six he wants in. The Bears will live or die with former Penguin Dany Sabourin in net.

Lastly, you can follow tonight's game with live updates on Twitter over at my WBS blog Highland Park Hockey as the blog's Twitter feed is set up much like on here on the right hand column. Obviously you can follow along on Twitter using @H_P_Hockey

You can buy a video feed of the game on the AHL's website here or listen for free here.

Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. EST and the live updates will begin when the two teams first step onto the ice for warmups.

LETS GO PENS!