PENGUINS WEEKLY – 3/20/18

Penguins maintain strong record against rival Bears, now contend with league-leading Marlies

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (37-19-4-2) travels to Toronto, then has three-in-three weekend

Weekly Rewind

Tuesday, Mar. 13 – Penguins 5 at Charlotte 2
Though the Checkers struck first, the Penguins used two rounds of scoring bunches to defeat the Checkers. Zach Trotman scored in his first game back from injury.

Wednesday, Mar. 14 – Penguins 1 at Charlotte 3
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s second showdown with the Checkers in two days was less successful than the first. Tom Sestito notched the Penguins’ only goal of the game.

Saturday, Mar. 17 – PENGUINS 1 vs. Hartford 4
The Penguins struggled to solve Wolf Pack goalie Chris Nell, who stood tall through an 18-shot barrage in the second period. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton also held Hartford to three shots in the middle frame, tied for fewest allowed by the team this season.

Sunday, Mar. 18 – PENGUINS 6 vs. Hershey 4
Étienne Marcoux earned his first AHL victory as the Penguins overcame a 3-1 deficit after one period to defeat the Bears. Thomas Di Pauli’s two goals helped Wilkes-Barre/Scranton improve to 8-0-1-1 against Hershey this season.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, Mar. 20 – PENGUINS at Toronto
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton takes on Toronto for the second time this season after winning, 4-2, in the clubs’ pervious meeting. However, the Marlies own the league’s best record, 44-17-1-1, and have allowed the fewest goals in the AHL (135).

Friday, Mar. 23 – PENGUINS at Utica
The Penguins travel to Utica for the first and only time this year, looking to avenge their pervious 5-4 overtime loss to the Comets. Utica has only won two of its last 11 games, but forward Cameron Darcy has five points (3G-2A) in his last five contests.

Saturday, Mar. 24 – PENGUINS at Binghamton
The Penguins look to go a perfect 5-0 against the Devils this season when they face-off on Saturday. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s last three games against Binghamton have gone to OT.

Sunday, Mar. 23 – PENGUINS vs. Bridgeport
Kids Get In Free Sunday showcases a Bridgeport team scratching and clawing to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Penguins are 2-0-1-0 against the Sound Tigers this season.

Ice Chips

– Daniel Sprong is tied for second among AHL rookies in goals (22)

– Teddy Blueger leads the AHL with four overtime goals.

– Blueger had his first three-point night of the season and second of his career on Sunday, scoring a goal and two assists.

DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM LEADERS

* = rookie
^ = on recall to Pittsburgh

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

DATE                 OPPONENT     LOCATION                               TIME        

Tue, Mar. 20     Toronto            Ricoh Coliseum                       7:00 p.m.

Fri, Mar. 23        Utica                 Utica Memorial                       7:00 p.m.

Sat, Mar. 24      Binghamton    Veterans Memorial Arena    7:00 p.m.

Sun, Mar. 25     Bridgeport       Mohegan Sun Arena             3:05 p.m.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

Tue, Mar. 20     (G) Étienne Marcoux             Released from PTO

Mon, Mar. 19     (G) Tristan Jarry                    Reassigned from PIT

Sun, Mar. 18      (RW) Josh Jooris                                Recalled by PIT