PENGUINS WEEKLY – 11/1/16

Penguins stand tall as AHL’s top defensive team, Atlantic Division leaders

 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (5-1-1-0) continues to hold opponents at bay

Weekly Rewind

Wednesday, Oct. 26 – PENGUINS 3 vs. Albany 1

The Albany Devils entered Wednesday night’s game as the last undefeated team in the AHL and left with their first loss of the season coming at the hands of the Penguins. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton held Albany to 20 shots and scored its goals on the power play, shorthanded and at even strength.

Saturday, Oct. 29 – PENGUINS 1 at Springfield 2 (OT)

Reid McNeill scored his first of the season, but a third period tally from Paul Thompson and then overtime game-winner by Chase Balisy saw the Thunderbirds get the best of the Pens.

Sunday, Oct. 30 – PENGUINS 6 vs. Syracuse 1

The Pens offense erupted for three goals in the first period, sparking a convincing Sunday matinée victory. Kevin Porter scored twice for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the second time this season he put forth a two-goal showing against Syracuse.

The Week Ahead

Friday, Nov. 4 – PENGUINS vs. Binghamton

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton kicks off a three-in-three slate with  an old rival, the Binghamton Senators. This will be the first time this season the Pens and Sens clash, but in 2015-16, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won the season series, 5-1-0-0.

Saturday, Nov. 5 – PENGUINS at Bridgeport

The Sound Tigers found the upper hand in last year’s season series by beating the Pens five out of six times. Now, they have three rookies in the team’s top four scorers. However, Bridgeport has been outscored 9-8 at home so far this year.

Sunday, Nov. 5 – PENGUINS at Providence

The Penguins prepare for their first meeting with the Bruins since they swept Providence with three consecutive overtime wins in the first round of last year’s Calder Cup Playoffs.

Ice Chips

– The Penguins have held their opponents to just one goal in regulation for six-straight games.

– Wilkes-Barre/Scranton owns the AHL’s best goals against (9) and combined team save percentage (.949).

– The Penguins hold the league’s top penalty kill at 93.8%.

– Casey DeSmith’s .960 save percentage ranks first among AHL rookie goaltenders.

– Reid McNeill’s goal on Saturday was his the first time he found the back of the net since Feb. 28, 2015 against Hartford.

– Barry Goers, Ethan Prow and Patrick McGrath all recorded their first points of the season with assists on Sunday.

– Tom Kostopoulos is two points shy of reaching his 400^th point with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM                       GP       W         L        OTL     SOL     PTS         Pt%

1. PENGUINS           7          5          1            1          0          11           .786

2. Springfield           7            5          2          0          0        10          .714

3. Bridgeport           7            4          3          0          0          8           .571

4. Hershey                7           3          2          2          0          8           .571

5. Hartford               7           3          4          0          0          6           .429

6. Lehigh Valley      6           2          3          1           0          5           .417

7. Providence           8           2          4          2          0          6           .375

TEAM LEADERS

SKATERS                    GP        G         A        PTS

Jake Guentzel*            7          2          5          7

Kevin Porter                 7          4          1          5

Carter Rowney            4          2          3          5

five players tied                                               3

GOALIES                GP    W-L-OT-SO       GAA      Sv%       Shutouts

Casey DeSmith*     2         2-0-0-0        1.00      0.960            0

Tristan Jarry             5          3-1-1-0           1.39       0.944            0

* = rookie

^ = currently with Pittsburgh