PENGUINS PULL OFF 2-1 SHOOTOUT WIN AT PROVIDENCE
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins prevailed in a shootout over the Providence Bruins, 2-1, Friday at Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (27-22-5-2) scored in the opening minute of the third period to break the seal, but Providence answered five minutes later to force extra time. The Penguins ultimately tallied twice in the shootout, thanks to more shootout magic from Joseph Cramarossa.
Talented saves by both netminders, Tristan Jarry and Zane McIntyre, led to an even contest for the first 40 minutes of action. The first tally came in the opening 44 seconds of the third period, with Ethan Prow finally solving McIntyre. Chris Wideman took a chance from the point, but was denied by a kick-save. Prow collected the rebound at the top of the right circle and charged the net before taking a sharp-angle shot to the far post and lit the lamp for a 1-0 lead.
Four-on-four hockey led to the Bruins knotting the contest five minutes later. Lee Stempniak found Chris Breen speeding in the high slot and used a screen to beat Jarry.
During the overtime, the Penguins were afforded a power play for the final 1:44 of game time, but couldn’t stuff anything past McIntyre. So on the two teams went to the shootout.
Ben Sexton and Joseph Cramarossa both beat McIntyre in the second and third rounds of the shootout and Jarry stonewalled the Bruins, stopping Providence’s two attempts. Cramarossa sealed the victory for the Penguins, improving to three-for-three in shootout attempts on the season.
Jarry turned aside 34 shots in regulation and overtime, while McIntyre denied 39 shots in defeat.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next game is tomorrow, Saturday, Mar. 2, against the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Penguins’ next home game is Wednesday, Mar. 6, when they take on a Keystone State rival, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, in a game rife with postseason implications. Puck drop between the Penguins and Phantoms is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.
Individual tickets for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton home games can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza box office, through all Ticketmaster outlets, or by contacting the Penguins’ offices at (570) 208-7367. Season ticket packages for the 20th season of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey, including full season, 12-game and Flexbook plans, are available by reaching out to the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.
Fans can also keep up with the Penguins through the AHL’s brand new high definition streaming service, AHLTV. Subscriptions for AHLTV, which include live and archived games, begin at just $79.99 for the entire 2018-19 regular season. Fans can visit theahl.com/AHLTV now to register for a free AHLTV account and purchase 2018-19 subscriptions.
