PENGUINS WEEKLY – 12/23/25

Penguins maintain first place going into Holiday Break

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (21-7-1-1) has Keystone State rivals to contend with this weekend

Weekly Rewind

Tuesday, Dec. 16 – PENGUINS 1 vs. Charlotte 2
Phil Tomasino scored in the third period, extending his career-best point streak to nine games. However, the Penguins’ late comeback fell short for their second-straight loss to Charlotte.

Friday, Dec. 19 – PENGUINS 4 at Utica 2
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tallied three unanswered goals to defeat the Comets in Upstate New York. Joona Koppanen spearheaded the team’s offense, recording two goals and an assist on the game-winner by Boko Imama. Tristan Broz notched an empty netter for his team-leading 10^th goal.

Saturday, Dec. 20 – PENGUINS 2 vs. Utica 3 (SO)
Koppanen scored again, and Avery Hayes tied the game in the third period. Joel Blomqvist was magnificent throughout the game, including six clutch saves during an overtime penalty kill. However, the Comets potted the lone shootout conversion.

Sunday, Dec. 21 – PENGUINS 3 vs. Hershey 1
Sergei Murashov earned his 10^th win of the season in his 12^th start as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton turned away Hershey in its first visit to NEPA this season. Zach Gallant buried his first goal of the year, followed by third-period insurance markers by defensemen Matt Dumba and Owen Pickering.

The Week Ahead

Saturday, Dec. 27 – PENGUINS vs. Hershey
The Bears come back to Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza for the first game out of the holiday break. Saturday will also be a throwback night with both teams donning retro uniforms as part of the American Hockey League’s 90^th season celebration.

Sunday, Dec. 28 – PENGUINS vs. Lehigh Valley
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton plays a Sunday matinée in Allentown, where it has won its last three of its last four visits. Furthermore, the Penguins are 4-0-0-0 against the Phantoms this season.

Ice Chips

– Wilkes-Barre/Scranton boasts a +30 goal differential, tied for first in the Eastern Conference and second in the AHL.

– Sergei Murashov ranks first overall in both goals against average (1.55) and save percentage (.943).

– Since making his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on Nov. 9, Murashov has gone 5-0-0 in the AHL with a 1.32 goals against average, .957 save percentage and one shutout.

– Joona Koppanen had five points (3G-2A) in the Pens’ three games last weekend. Both of his assists were on third-period, game-winning goals.

DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM LEADERS

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

DATE                  OPPONENT         LOCATION                                TIME        

Sat, Dec. 27      Hershey                 Mohegan Arena               6:05 p.m.

Sun, Dec. 28     Lehigh Valley       PPL Center                       3:05 p.m.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

DATE                   PLAYER                                        TRANSACTION

Sat, Dec. 13        (G) Sergei Murashov                Recalled to PIT

Sat, Dec. 13        (D) Mathew Dumba                 Assigned from PIT

Sun, Dec. 14       (D) David Breazeale                Recalled from WHL

Mon, Dec. 15      (G) Sergei Murashov               Reassigned from PIT

Thu, Dec. 18       (D) David Breazeale                Reassigned to WHL