Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Triumph Over Lehigh Valley Phantoms
In a dominant display, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins triumphed over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with a decisive score of 6-2 on Friday night. The team’s offense was prolific, with contributions coming from a diverse set of players, including Aidan McDonough, Avery Hayes, Tristan Broz, Sam Poulin, Danton Heinen, and Atley Calvert, all finding the back of the net.
Impressive Performance by Goalkeeper Sergei Murashov
Goalkeeper Sergei Murashov stood out with an impressive performance, turning away 34 shots out of 36, further establishing his reputation after returning from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since his reassignment to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton roster, Murashov has been exceptional, and his recent NHL stint included a commendable .913 save percentage and a 1.90 goals-against average across four games. This season, he has played 10 games for WBS, showcasing a remarkable 1.73 goals-against average along with a .935 save percentage.
Stars of the Night
The game saw Heinen, McDonough, and Broz being recognized as the three stars of the night. Heinen contributed with both a goal and an assist, while McDonough recorded a goal and two assists, and Broz added a goal and an assist to his tally. Notably, all three players are proving to be significant assets for WBS, as McDonough debuted with the organization after signing this summer and has already collected four goals and 14 points in 21 games.
Player Highlights and Future Prospects
Broz, fresh off his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres on November 26, was among the last cuts before the team finalized its roster. His strong play is positioning him for potential future calls to the NHL. Meanwhile, Hayes also boasts impressive stats with six goals and 12 points in 16 games, having narrowly missed making the NHL roster as well.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Penguins hold a leading position in the Atlantic Division with a record of 16-5-1, amassing 33 points in 22 games, edging out the Providence Bruins by a single point. Their next challenge will come on Saturday as they face off against long-time rivals, the Hershey Bears, at 7 p.m. ET. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the team’s dynamics and potential roster moves.
