Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Recent Performance
In a recent series of games, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins faced tough competition during a Canadian road trip, returning home with a split record of two wins and one loss from their three matchups. Here’s a breakdown of their performances over the week:
Game Summaries
March 18: Loss to Laval Rocket
On March 18, the Penguins played against the Laval Rocket, the leaders of the North Division. Unfortunately, they suffered a 5-1 defeat, marking their fifth consecutive loss at Place Bell. Gabe Klassen was the sole scorer for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and this defeat extended their losing streak in Laval, with their last win there dating back to January 13, 2018.
March 20: Victory Against Belleville Senators
However, the team found redemption on March 20 when they triumphed against the Belleville Senators in a nail-biting 2-1 victory after a shootout. Joel Blomqvist stood out with an impressive 28 saves, significantly contributing to the win. Aidan McDonough notched a power-play goal, and the Penguins excelled in the shootout, scoring on all three attempts through McDonough, Klassen, and Avery Hayes. Blomqvist also managed to halt league-leading scorer Arthur Kaliyev, securing his first AHL shootout victory.
March 22: Win Against Toronto Marlies
The Penguins then wrapped up their Canadian journey with an exhilarating 4-3 win against the Toronto Marlies on March 22. They established a significant 4-0 lead, which proved crucial as the Marlies mounted a comeback in the third period. Both Hayes and McDonough showcased their skills early in the game, contributing a goal and an assist each, while Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scored twice, including the decisive goal.
It’s worth noting that Avery Hayes, who successfully executed a forehand deke in the shootout, had been sidelined from participating in previous NHL shootouts with the parent club, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton squad is gearing up for a rematch against Laval at their home rink, aiming to avenge their previous loss. Following this, they will host Lehigh Valley in another crucial matchup. The Penguins currently sit comfortably in second place in their division, with an upcoming nine-game stretch before the playoffs. They only require a combination of 14 points gained or lost by rival Charlotte Checkers to secure their position and ensure they receive a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Player Highlights
As the season winds down, player Aidan McDonough has been a shining star for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, leading the team in scoring with 36 points from 57 games, thanks to an active four-game point streak. The recent situation has also led to some changes in the lineup, with Ville Koivunen being called back to Pittsburgh, while Tristan Broz remains out due to injury.
Catch all the action of the Penguins’ next games on AHLTV, as they continue their push for the playoffs.
