PENGUINS HAVE FIRST-ROUND BYE IN CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are set to embark on their 21st postseason in franchise history, but they have to wait before they know when the puck drops or who they’re facing off against.

With a 46-17-7-2, 101-point season, the Penguins earned a first-round bye in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs. As a result, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins do not have to play in the best-of-three Opening Round and await the victors of those series before kicking off the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

Here is all the info fans need to know with the Penguins’ playoff run looming:

OPENING ROUND SCHEDULES

Tux can have his fill of popcorn while spectating the Opening Round from the comfort of his couch. The two Atlantic Division series to keep an eye on are the following…

(3) Charlotte Checkers vs. (6) Springfield Thunderbirds
Game 1 – Wednesday, Apr. 22 – Springfield at Charlotte, 7:00 p.m.
Game 2 – Friday, Apr. 24 – Springfield at Charlotte, 7:00 p.m.
*Game 3 – Saturday, Apr. 25 – Springfield at Charlotte, 7:00 p.m.

(4) Bridgeport Islanders vs. (5) Hershey Bears
Game 1 – Tuesday, Apr. 21 – Hershey at Bridgeport, 7:00 p.m.
Game 2 – Thursday, Apr. 23 – Bridgeport at Hershey, 7:00 p.m.
*Game 3 – Saturday, Apr. 25 – Hershey at Bridgeport, 3:00 p.m.

* = if necessary

WHO WILL THE PENGUINS PLAY?

As the Atlantic’s No. 2 seed, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will take on the highest seed remaining at the conclusion of the Opening Round.

Therefore, if the (3) Charlotte Checkers advance, the Penguins will automatically play Charlotte in the next round regardless of who wins the other series. If the (6) Springfield Thunderbirds down Charlotte, the Penguins will take on whoever is left standing between the (4) Bridgeport Islanders and (5) Hershey Bears.

There is no scenario in which the Penguins can play (6) Springfield in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

WHEN WILL THE PENGUINS PLAY?

The exact dates for the Atlantic Division Semifinals are still unknown, as Game 1 will affected by who the Penguins draw. However, it is expected that the series will take place between Monday, Apr. 27 and Sunday, May 10.

Precise dates and start times for all second-round contests will be announced as soon as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s opponent becomes official. Furthermore, the Atlantic Division Semifinals are a best-of-five series.

HOW CAN I GET PLAYOFF TICKETS?

Even with the still-unknown nature of the postseason schedule, fans can secure their seats for every home game by purchasing a Penguins Playoff Package.

Playoff packages, which are billed on a pay-as-we-play basis, include tickets to each confirmed home game during the postseason. Each package also comes with an $8 voucher for every home game, which can be redeemed at Savor concession stands or at the Penguins Igloo Team Store located inside Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza on each designated game date.

Penguins Playoff Packages are available by reaching out to the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367 or at wbspenguins.com.

Individual-game tickets for the undated first home contest of the Atlantic Division Semifinals are available for purchase now, as well, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com in addition to wbspenguins.com or calling the team’s front office.