WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Mike Hoeffel’s first two goals of the season were the only offense the Albany Devils needed to defeat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 2-1, on Monday at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.  It was the Devils franchise’s first-ever win against the Penguins, who were undefeated through their first 14 meetings.

 

Hoeffel broke the scoreless tie at 7:49 of the second period, working down the right wing before cutting to the slot and sniping a wrist shot over the glove of Scott Munroe. 

 

Being outshot 20-13 after two periods, the Penguins found their stride in the third and evened the score 2:18 into the frame.  Colin McDonald knocked down an entry pass at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton blueline and started a 2-on-1 that Ben Street rapped past Jeff Frazee for his 11^th goal of the season. 

 

With 4:38 remaining in regulation, Hoeffel put Albany back on top, taking an offensive zone faceoff win by Darcy Zajac and letting loose a shot that deflected off a stick and into the top of the Penguins’ net. 

 

Munroe’s personal three-game winning streak came to end despite making 24 saves on 26 shots.  Wilkes-Barre/Scranton remains in a three-way tie for first place in the East Division with a record of 16-9-1-4.

 

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins return from the holiday break to host the Hershey Bears on Tuesday, December 27 at 7:05pm.  For tickets and more information, call the Penguins at (570) 208-PENS or visit www.wbspenguins.com.       

                                                                                                        

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