Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Weekend Recap
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had an outstanding weekend, celebrating victories in both of their games. On Saturday, January 31, the Penguins dominated the Syracuse Crunch with a 4-1 score in a match themed “Crosscheck Cancer Night.” The game started with Avery Hayes and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scoring quickly in the first period, setting an energetic tone. Matt Dumba then contributed significantly with a highlight goal in the second period, followed by Gabe Klassen’s timely shorthanded goal, stemming any potential comeback from Syracuse.
Victory Against Lehigh Valley Phantoms
The next day, February 1, they faced off against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and triumphed again, this time scoring six goals to the Phantoms’ two. Aidan McDonough kicked off the offense, with Nolan Renwick scoring later in the period and Boko Imama adding to the score early in the third. Hayes and Owen Pickering also got in on the action with consecutive power-play goals, and Harvey-Pinard capped the day with the final goal. In addition, Dumba had a remarkable game, assisting on four goals, marking his career high.
Heartfelt Moments and Rookie Milestones
Dumba’s performance stands out not just for the points but also for a heartfelt interaction with a young fan named Sophia, who had recently completed her chemotherapy. Ahead of the game, Dumba promised her that he would score for her, which he did, pointing to her during his celebration. This emotional connection was a highlight amid challenges he faced earlier in the season, including clearing waivers and being reassigned to the AHL after not receiving as much acclaim as other players in the league.
Significantly, it wasn’t just Dumba who made headlines; two rookies also celebrated milestone moments. Tanner Howe, a second-round pick from 2024, made his AHL debut following recovery from an ACL injury and notched his first assist. Emil Pieniniemi, drafted in the third round in 2023, also secured his first point after overcoming some earlier challenges in his career.
Team Standing and Future Outlook
Administratively, the Penguins are currently second in their division, and as they prepare for the NHL roster freeze, there may be some watching the potential movement of players like Rutger McGroarty or Ryan Graves down to the AHL. However, Filip Larsson, the team’s third-string goalie, has opted to terminate his contract due to limited ice time, paving the way for Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist to continue their strong performances. With 45 games already under their belt, the Penguins have a quieter few weeks ahead, with only seven games scheduled during the NHL roster freeze from February 5 to 26.
Overall, this weekend not only showcased individual brilliance but also underlined the Penguins’ growing momentum as they navigate the season.
