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PENGUINS SCORE EARLY, BUT LOSE GAME TWO AT CHARLOTTE, 4-1

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BOXSCORE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins scored 22 seconds into Game Two of their Atlantic Division Semifinals series against the Charlotte Checkers, but the Checkers bounced back to win 4-1 at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Saturday night.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton finds itself in a 2-0 hole in the best-of-five series as it takes the series home to Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza for the final three potential games of the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

The Penguins started the game on the right foot, scoring on the first shift of the contest. Andrey Pedan’s point shot was stopped by Alex Nedeljkovic, but the goaltender couldn’t locate the rebound before Joseph Cramarossa slammed it into the back of the net. Cramarossa’s tally 22 seconds in was the second-fastest goal to start a game in Penguins playoff history.

Charlotte eventually countered at 13:47 of the first period with a strange bounce that fooled Tristan Jarry. Defenseman Haydn Fleury gathered a puck behind the goal line and tried to throw it into the slot, but it ricocheted off of the bend at the back of Jarry’s knee and in, tying the game at one goal apiece.

Warren Foegele had a chance to give the Checkers their first lead of the game when he took off on a shorthanded breakaway midway through the second period, but Jarry came up with a huge denial.

The Checkers did eventually take the lead when a seeing-eye shot from Josiah Didier navigated through a line of players and into the Penguins’ net with only 5:42 left in the third period.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has handed a power play with 3:28 remaining in regulation, but couldn’t generate any shots on Nedeljkovic. Right as the man advantage expired, the Penguins pulled Jarry for an extra attacker, but the Checkers scored on the empty net shortly thereafter. Empty net goals by Clark Bishop and Fleury separated by 14 seconds gave Charlotte a 4-1 lead and a 2-0 advantage in the series.

Jarry finished the night with 24 saves, while Nedeljkovic posted 27 stops for the win.

The series returns to the Penguins’ home ice for Game 3 on Thursday, Apr. 26. Ticket packages and individual game tickets for the Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS LOSE GAME ONE TO CHECKERS IN OVERTIME, 3-2

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BOXSCORE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins dropped Game One of the Atlantic Division Semifinals to the Charlotte Checkers in overtime at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Friday night.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton had a 2-0 lead going into the third period, but Charlotte scored twice to tie and then got an early, albeit controversial goal from Lucas Wallmark in the extra period to win, 3-2.

The Checkers had the Penguins pinned back in their zone for well over a minute when Brenden Kitchton’s point shot was tipped in by Wallmark. As a throng of bodies congregated around Tristan Jarry, contact was made with the Penguins goalie that sent him tumbling down to the ice at the same time as Wallmark’s tip. Jarry and his teammates protested the call, clamoring for goaltender interference, but the initial assessment on the ice stood, and Charlotte got the game-winner at 3:18 of overtime.

The game started with a first period marred by penalties. The two clubs combining for six man advantage opportunities over the course of the opening 20 minutes of play, but the Penguins were the only team to capitalize on the power play. Andrey Pedan’s slap shot from the point blistered past a screen set by Garrett Wilson at the front of the net and into Charlotte’s cage with 2:16 left in the first period.

Charlotte came out firing on all cylinders to start the second stanza, but its efforts were stonewalled by Jarry. Following up some highlight reel stops from the first period, Jarry denied the Checkers with a handful of post-to-post saves early in the middle frame.

The tide turned in the Penguins’ favor when Checkers goalie Alex Nedeljkovic allowed a goal from center ice midway through the second period. Daniel Sprong flung the puck towards the Checkers’ cage, and with one dramatic hop, the puck skipped over the glove of Nedeljkovic and into the net, giving the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

The Checkers began an early onslaught of shots in the third period, and Aleksi Saarela finally solved Jarry with a sniper’s shot 6:32 into the final frame of regulation. Valentin Zykov tacked on a power play goal on Charlotte’s sixth man advantage of the game at 11:45 of the third period, tying the contest, 2-2.

The Penguins finished the third period with a flourish, peppering Nedeljkovic with shots. The second-year pro goaltender stood tall in the face of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s avalanche, and made enough saves to send the game to overtime.

Wallmark’s game-winner 3:18 onto the extra period established a 1-0 series lead for the Checkers in the best-of-five opening round series. Jarry finished the game with 35 saves, and Nedeljkovic posted 25 stops. Game Two takes place tomorrow night, Saturday, Apr. 21, at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The series will return to the Penguins’ home ice for Game 3 on Thursday, Apr. 26.

Ticket packages and individual game tickets for the Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

 

JOSEPH MASONIUS SIGNED TO ATO, AHL CONTRACT FOR 2018-19

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WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed defenseman Joseph Masonius to an American Hockey League contract for the 2018-19 season. Masonius will join the Penguins immediately on an amateur tryout agreement for the remainder of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The 21-year-old rearguard just finished his junior season at the University of Connecticut. He wrapped up his collegiate career with 10 goals and 40 assists for 50 points in 96 total games. Masonius led all Huskies defensemen in points in two of his three seasons at UConn.

The native of Spring Lake, New Jersey was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round (181st overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to being selected by Pittsburgh, he was groomed for two seasons at the United States National Tem Development Program. During his time with the USNTDP, Masonius was under the tutelage of current Wilkes-Barre/Scranton assistant coach, J.D. Forrest.

The Penguins begin their opening round series of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs against the Charlotte Checkers tomorrow, Friday, Apr. 20, at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The series returns to the Penguins’ home ice for Game 3 on Thursday, Apr. 26 at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

Individual game tickets and ticket packages for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS WEEKLY – 4/17/18

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Penguins finish season strong, prepare for first round series with Checkers

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (45-22-6-3) begins quest for Tom Kostopoulos’ first championship

 

Weekly Rewind

Friday, Apr. 13 – PENGUINS 3 at Springfield 2
Daniel Sprong set the franchise record for goals by a rookie with his 31st tally of the season. Sprong’s goal opened the game’s scoring, one of only a few bids that fooled Harri Säteri. The Thunderbirds’ goalie conjured 46 saves in the loss.

Saturday, Apr. 14 – PENGUINS 1 at Lehigh Valley 2 (SO)
The Penguins lost a shootout decision to the recently crowned Atlantic Division Champions. Both teams were held scoreless until the final two minutes of the third period, during which both teams found the back of the net. By getting to OT, the Penguins clinched the No. 2 seed in the Atlantic Division.

Sunday, Apr. 15 – PENGUINS 3 at Hershey 2
The Penguins remained unbeaten in regulation against the Bears in the two clubs’ final matchup of 2017-18, going 10-0-1-1 to notch the best single-season record in the rivalry’s 19-year history. Sprong scored again for goal 32, and Jan Drozg earned an assist in his pro debut.

 

The Week Ahead

Friday, Apr. 20 – PENGUINS at Charlotte – GAME ONE
Second-seeded Wilkes-Barre/Scranton travels to North Carolina to take on third-seeded Charlotte in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Penguins hope to avenge a 2011 playoff series loss handed to them by the Checkers in the teams’ only postseason meeting. Charlotte closed out the season on a 10-game point streak (9-0-1-0), and won 15 of its last 18 contests.

Saturday, Apr. 21 – PENGUINS at Charlotte – GAME TWO
The Penguins went 1-3-0-0 against the Checkers in their four-game regular season series, but both teams were evenly matched on the special teams front. Both were 16.7% on the PP and 83.3% on the PK when facing one another this season.

 

Ice Chips

– Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is going to the Calder Cup Playoffs for the 16th consecutive season, the AHL’s longest active streak.

– Daniel Sprong’s 32 goals not only established a new franchise record for rookie scoring, but he also tied Janne Pesonen for the second-most goals in a season in team history.

– Sprong finished the season ranked in the AHL’s top five in three categories: third in goals (32), fourth in shots (214) and fifth in points (65). Sprong also led all rookies in goals and shots, while tying fellow first-years for tops in power play goals (11).

– Five of Michael Leighton’s six starts as a Penguin have gone past regulation. He is 4-0-1 in those games.

 

FINAL DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM GP W L OTL SOL PTS Pt%
1. Lehigh Valley 76 47 19 5 5 104 .684
2. PENGUINS 76 45 22 6 3 99 .651
3. Charlotte 76 46 26 1 3 96 .632
4. Providence 76 45 26 3 2 95 .625
5. Bridgeport 76 36 32 5 3 80 .526
6. Hartford 76 34 33 6 3 77 .507
7. Springfield 76 32 37 5 2 71 .467
8. Hershey 76 30 37 4 5 69 .454

 

TEAM LEADERS

SKATERS GP G A PTS
Daniel Sprong* 65 32 33 65
Jean-Sébastien Dea 70 18 32 50
Teddy Blueger 70 21 24 45
Garrett Wilson 69 17 25 42
Ryan Haggerty 47 16 21 37
GOALIES GP W-L-OT GAA SV% Shutouts
Casey DeSmith^ 27 16-8-3 2.73 .910 2
Anthony Peters 24 12-7-3 2.71 .907 1
Tristan Jarry 16 9-5-2 3.05 .901 0

* = rookie
^ = currently with Pittsburgh

 

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

DATE                 OPPONENT     LOCATION                           TIME    

Fri, Apr. 20        Charlotte         Bojangles’ Coliseum           7:00 p.m.

Sat, Apr. 21        Charlotte         Bojangles’ Coliseum           6:00 p.m.

 

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

Tue, Apr. 17      (LW) Sam Miletic                Reassigned from OHL

Tue, Apr. 17      (LW) Jan Drozg                       Released from ATO

Fri, Apr. 13        (G) Alex D’Orio                   Reassigned to QMJHL

Wed, Apr. 11    (C) Anthony Angello                       Signed to ATO

Wed, Apr. 11    (C) Cam Brown                                 Signed to PTO

SAM MILETIC REASSIGNED TO WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON

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WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) have reassigned forward Sam Miletic to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton from the Niagara IceDogs (OHL). Also, forward Jan Drozg has been released from his amateur tryout agreement.

Miletic just finished his final season of junior hockey with a career-high 92 points (36G-56A) in 63 games, sixth-most in the Ontario Hockey League. After beginning the year already establishing a new career-best in assists with 38 helpers over 35 games with the London Knights, the 20-year-old forward was traded to Niagara on Jan. 9, 2018. Miletic proceeded to tie for the IceDogs’ team lead in points (12) during their 10 postseason games.

The native of Bloomfield Township, Michigan is one season removed from leading London in goals with 37 tallies during the 2016-17 campaign. His breakout year earned him an invite to Pittsburgh’s Development Camp in July, and then he played in all three games of the Penguins’ showing at the 2017 Prospect Challenge in Buffalo, New York. Pittsburgh signed Miletic to a three-year, entry-level contract on Sept. 25, 2017.

Miletic joins Wilkes-Barre/Scranton just in time for their opening round series of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs against the Charlotte Checkers. Game 1 of the best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal will take place on Friday, Apr. 20 at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The series returns to the Penguins’ home ice on Thursday, Apr. 26 at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

Individual game tickets and ticket packages for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS BEAT BEARS IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE, 3-2

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BOXSCORE

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ended the 2017-18 season on a high note, defeating the Hershey Bears, 3-2, at Giant Center on Sunday evening.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton ends the season with a 45-22-6-3 record worth 99 points, and it also concludes the 2017-18 campaign on an eight-game win streak against its bitter rival from Hershey.

Daniel Sprong kicked off the scoring for the Penguins on the power play at 10:32 of the opening period. Sprong notched his team-leading 11th man advantage marker and 32nd goal overall this season, which also pulled him into a tie for the second-most tallies in the AHL.

As time was ticking down in the first period, Jarrett Burton shot the puck off the post and in with 18.1 seconds left in the frame to give Wilkes-Barre/Scranton a 2-0 lead. Making his AHL debut, Jan Drozg recorded his first pro point with the secondary assist on Burton’s goal.

The second period was largely uneventful until Dustin Gazley buried one for the Bears 32 seconds before the intermission.

Gage Quinney re-established the Penguins’ two-goal lead by smacking in a rebound at 6:15 of the third period. Kevin Schulze picked off a breakout pass in the Bears’ zone, tapped it over to Sprong who was denied by Vítek Vaněček, but Quinney was in the perfect spot for the loose puck. Schulze gathered his first AHL point with the assist on the play.

Desperate to try and tie the game in front of their home fans in the season finale, the Bears pulled Vaněček for an extra attacker while they were on the power play with 4:20 left in the game. The gamble paid off as Jeremy Langlois found the back of the net during the six-on-four man advantage, making it a 3-2 contest.

Hershey pulled Vaněček again in hopes of getting another extra attacker goal, but never challenged Anthony Peters again before the sound of the final buzzer.

The Penguins wrap up the season 10-0-1-1 against the Bears, the best single-season record in the 19-year history of the I-81 Rivalry.

Both goalies were billed with 27 saves.

Next up for Penguins is the first round of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs. They will face-off against the Charlotte Checkers in a best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal series, starting with Game 1 at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Friday, Apr. 20.

Ticket packages and individual game tickets for the Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS LOSE CLOSE BATTLE WITH PHANTOMS IN SHOOTOUT, 2-1

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BOXSCORE

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Both the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Lehigh Valley Phantoms traded goals in the last two minutes of regulation, but the Phantoms came out on top in a shootout, 2-1, on Saturday night at PPL Center.

With their point earned in the standings, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (44-22-6-3) was able to secure home ice in the first round of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Penguins will play as the No. 2 seed for the Atlantic Division in the postseason, even though their first round opponent is still to be determined.

The first period featured a strong defensive effort by both teams, keeping the game scoreless and without grade-A scoring chances for either side.

In the middle frame, the Penguins nearly doubled the Phantoms in shots. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earned a 11-6 shot advantage in the second period, but both goalies remained strong. Alex Lyon held down the fort for the Phantoms, while Michael Leighton came up with a series of solid stops for the Penguins.

The Phantoms nearly generated a breakaway opportunity midway through the second period, but defenseman Niclas Almari stepped in to neutralize the headman pass. Almari, making his AHL debut, was the last line of defense on the sequence for the Penguins, but calmly clogged up the passing lane that would have otherwise resulted in a clean chance for Lehigh Valley’s Cole Bardeau.

Leighton also helped power the Penguins to kill off a double minor penalty in the middle frame, too, making numerous key saves to keep the score even at 0-0.

The third period yielded the best scoring chances for both the Penguins and Phantoms, but time and time again, they were foiled by the opposing netminder. The game appeared poised for a scoreless regulation until Garrett Wilson cracked the goose egg for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton late in the contest. With 1:50 left in the third period, Wilson muscled a loose puck under Lyon’s pad for the game’s first goal.

However, the goal was not enough as Chris Conner came back a minute later, scoring for Lehigh Valley with the goalie pulled and extra attacker activated with 45.2 seconds remaining in regulation.

The tight defense continued through the overtime period, as each team only surrendered two shots and allowed no goals.

Nic Aubé-Kubel scored the only goal of the shootout in the fourth round, granting Lehigh Valley the victory in its last game of the season.

Leighton made 30 saves on the night and denied three Phantoms attempts in the shootout, while Lyon turned aside 26 shots in regulation and overtime and went four-for-four on saves in the shootout.

The Penguins have one more game left in the regular season. They’ll take on the Hershey Bears at Giant Center tomorrow, Sunday, Apr. 15, at 5:00 p.m. for both clubs’ regular season finale.

Ticket packages and individual game tickets for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

 

SPRONG SETS FRANCHISE RECORD IN PENGUINS’ 3-2 WIN

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BOXSCORE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins held on to secure two important points in the standings with a 3-2 triumph against the Springfield Thunderbirds on Friday night at MassMutual Center.

Daniel Sprong established a new franchise record for goals by a rookie with his 31st tally of the season that helped kick-start the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (44-22-6-2) offense.

Sprong set the Penguins’ rookie record when he opened the game’s scoring at 15:50 of the first period. Garrett Wilson slipped behind the Thunderbirds’ net and wrapped a behind-the-back pass to Sprong at the net-front, who beat Springfield goalie Harri Säteri glove-side.

If not for the strong play of Säteri, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton would have built an even bigger lead before the end of the first period. The Penguins out-shot the Thunderbirds, 19-7, in the opening frame, but only carried a 1-0 advantage into the first intermission.

Teddy Blueger solved Säteri for the second time of the night when he ripped a wrist shot from the high slot four minutes into the second period. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton proceeded to pepper the Finnish netminder with shot after shot. Säteri earned his 30th save of the night with 12:12 still to play in the middle frame.

Säteri was finally given some run support by the team playing in front of him when Dryden Hunt scored on the power play at 13:40 of the second stanza.

Springfield then had two separate five-on-three man advantages late in the period with a chance to tie the game, but that’s when Tristan Jarry answered Säteri’s performance at the other side of the ice and shut the door on the Thunderbirds for the Penguins to maintain their 2-1 lead.

Three minutes into the third period, Curtis Valk tipped in a shot by Hunt and tied the game, 2-2.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton hopped back on top, 3-2, right after the expiration of a penalty kill. Ryan Haggerty had just been relinquished from the penalty box to see Zach Trotman unload a screaming slap shot past Säteri at 11:33 of the final frame of regulation.

The Thunderbirds pulled the goalie late for an extra attacker, but never truly tested Jarry in the final minute so the Penguins walked away with the win and the season sweep of Springfield (4-0-0-0).

Jarry made 28 saves for the victory, while Säteri made 46 stops in loss.

The Penguins’ next game is tomorrow, Saturday, Apr. 14, when they face a familiar foe in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s penultimate contest of the regular season.

Ticket packages and individual game tickets for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS SIGN ANGELLO TO ATO, RECALL SEVEN FROM WHEELING

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WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed forward Anthony Angello to an amateur tryout agreement for the 2017-18 season. Angello, 22, just completed his junior season at Cornell University.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has also recalled forwards Reid Gardiner, Troy Josephs and Cody Wydo, as well as defensemen Kevin Spinozzi and Dylan Zink from its ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers. Furthermore, the Penguins have inked forward Cam Brown and defenseman Kevin Schulze to professional tryout agreements.

Angello tied for Cornell’s team lead in goals (13) and points (26) during the 2017-18 season, and the six-foot-five forward was named as a Second Team All-Star of the Eastern College Athletic Conference. In his three years of collegiate play, Angello registered 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 total points across 102 games.

Angello was drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to playing for Cornell, Angello competed in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers for two seasons. The Manlius, New York native totaled 30 goals and 26 assists in 114 USHL games.

Pittsburgh secured Angello to a two-year, entry-level contract on Apr. 5, 2018, which will begin at the start of the 2018-19 season.

Brown, Gardiner, Josephs, Schulze, Spinozzi, Wydo and Zink all just wrapped up their season with Wheeling. All of those players but Brown logged time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at various times this season.

The Penguins’ next game is Friday, Apr. 13, when they trek to MassMutual Center and attempt to complete a season sweep of the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Individual game tickets and ticket packages for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs are now on sale. With the purchase of a postseason ticket package, fans will receive a $6 food/merchandise voucher for every game played in the playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans can secure their seats for every game on the Cup run by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

PENGUINS WEEKLY – 4/10/18

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Penguins Close Out Regular Season, Gear Up for Playoffs

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (43-22-6-2) will face three Atlantic Division teams to close out the regular season

 

Weekly Rewind

Tuesday, Apr. 3 – PENGUINS 5 vs. Hershey 3
The Penguins improved to 9-0-1-1 against their I-81 rival this season in a game that saw Sam Lafferty net his first pro goal. Jean-Sébastien Dea also posted his team-leading fourth shorthanded goal of the season.

Friday, Apr. 6 – PENGUINS 3 vs. Bridgeport 4
Daniel Sprong had a hand in all three of the Penguins goals (1G-2A), but it was not enough to match a desperate Sound Tigers team clinging to its postseason dreams.

Saturday, Apr. 7 – PENGUINS 7 vs. Binghamton 3
The Penguins were victorious in their final regular season home game, completing a perfect six-game season sweep against the Devils and giving Tom Kostopoulos the perfect send off in front of the home crowd. Goalie Michael Leighton improved to 5-0-0 since joining the Penguins.

Sunday, Apr. 8 – PENGUINS 5 at Bridgeport 2
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s second consecutive four-goal first period lead fueled the 5-2 victory. Anthony Peters made 41 saves, enabling the Penguins to secure the win.

 

The Week Ahead

Friday, Apr. 13 – PENGUINS at Springfield
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will attempt to complete the four-game season sweep of Springfield, who it has out-scored 13-6.

Saturday, Apr. 14 – PENGUINS at Lehigh Valley
The recently crowned Atlantic Division Champion Phantoms welcome the Pens to PPL Center for the final time this season.

Sunday, Apr. 15 – PENGUINS at Hershey
The Penguins try to remain unbeaten in regulation against the Bears when the two clubs clash in the last game of 2017-18.

 

Ice Chips

– The Penguins clinched a playoff berth for the 16th straight season. The 16-year postseason streak is the AHL’s active record.

– Garrett Wilson’s 40 points this season establishes a new career high.

– Daniel Sprong was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team on Wednesday. Sprong currently ranks first among league rookies in goals (30) and shots (192), while sitting second in points.

– With 30 goals on the season, Sprong tied the franchise record for most goals by a rookie, set by Michel Ouellet in 2003-04.

– Sprong’s year marks the first 30-goal season by a Penguin since Chris Minard (34) in 2008-09.

 

DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM GP W L OTL SOL PTS Pt%
1. Lehigh Valley 74 45 19 5 5 100 .676
2. PENGUINS 73 43 22 6 2 94 .644
3. Providence 73 43 25 3 2 91 .623
4. Charlotte 74 43 26 1 3 92 .622
5. Bridgeport 73 36 29 5 3 80 .548
6. Hartford 74 32 33 6 3 73 .493
7. Springfield 73 32 34 5 2 71 .486
8. Hershey 74 29 36 4 5 67 .453

 

TEAM LEADERS

SKATERS GP G A PTS
Daniel Sprong* 62 30 31 61
Jean-Sébastien Dea 68 18 31 49
Teddy Blueger 68 20 24 44
Garrett Wilson 67 16 24 40
Ryan Haggerty 45 16 21 37
GOALIES GP W-L-OT GAA SV% Shutouts
Casey DeSmith^ 27 16-8-3 2.73 .910 2
Anthony Peters 23 11-7-3 2.74 .906 1
Tristan Jarry 15 8-5-2 3.12 .899 0

* = rookie
^ = currently with Pittsburgh

 

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

DATE                 OPPONENT     LOCATION                           TIME    

Fri, Apr. 13      Springfield       MassMutual Center           7:05 p.m.

Sat, Apr. 14     Lehigh Valley  PPL Center                          7:05 p.m.

Sun, Apr. 15    Hershey           Giant Center                       5:00 p.m.

 

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

Fri, Mar. 31       (D) Niclas Almari                              Signed to ATO

Wed, Mar. 29   (D) Dane Birks                                  Signed to ATO

Wed, Mar. 29   (RW) Josh Jooris                             Recalled by PIT

Mon, Mar 27     (G) Alex D’Orio              Reassigned from QMJHL