PENGUINS WEEKLY – 3/30/21

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on the cusp of getting over the hump

Penguins (5-7-3-1) stymied by close, late-regulation losses to end weekend

Weekly Rewind

Wednesday, Mar. 24 – PENGUINS 3 vs. Syracuse 6
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton found itself behind the eight ball early, allowing a hat trick to Gemel Smith and surrendering six goals in the game’s first 14 minutes. The Penguins’ top line tried to spearhead a comeback, as Josh Currie, Tim Schaller and Nick Schilkey scored the team’s three goals. Currie and Schaller both notched a goal and two assists each.

Friday, Mar. 26 – PENGUINS 1 vs. Hershey 3
The Penguins and Bears engaged in a physical, grind-it-out game with little room for mistakes. Ultimately, a third-period power-play goal by Matt Moulson sunk Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Alex D’Orio was solid in net, denying 23 shots in his first start of the season. Jordy Bellerive tallied the Penguins’ lone goal.

Sunday, Mar. 28 – PENGUINS 1 at Hershey 3
The Penguins and Bears engaged in a physical, grind-it-out game with little room for mistakes. Ultimately, a late, third-period power-play goal by Matt Moulson sunk Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Déjà vu? Max Lagacé played his first game in over three weeks and didn’t miss a beat with 27 stops. Schaller scored the Penguins’ only goal.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, Mar. 31 – PENGUINS at Binghamton
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton looks to return to its winning ways by tripping out to Newark, NJ. The Devils were the last team the Penguins beat, a 6-3, come-from-behind victory. Former Penguin Ben Street leads the Devs with five goals and 14 points.

Saturday, Apr. 3 – PENGUINS at Lehigh Valley
The Penguins pay another visit to PPL Center, a building in which offense has been in abundance. Both games the Penguins played in Allentown this season ended in OT by scores of 5-4. Jordy Bellerive has four points (2G-2A) at PPL Center this season.

Ice Chips

– Tim Schaller’s goal on Sunday was his 100^th career AHL point.

– Five of Schaller’s six goals and 10 of his 12 points on the season were recorded on home ice.

– Cam Lee is tied atop the league for the most assists among rookie defensemen (8).

– Nick Schilkey has five points (2G-3A) in his last five games.

– Of Jordy Bellerive’s 18 career goals, 10 have come in the third period or overtime.

– Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is the only team in the league yet to see a shorthanded goal (for or against) in any of its games.

STANDINGS

TEAM LEADERS

GOALIES

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

DATE                OPPONENT     LOCATION                                       TIME   

Wed, Mar. 31   Binghamton     RWJBaranabas Hockey House    7:00 p.m.

Sat, Apr. 3        Lehigh Valley   PPL Center                                        7:05 p.m.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

Wed, Mar. 24  (G) Alex D’Orio                     Reassigned by PIT from WHL

Thu, Mar. 25    (LW) Drew O’Connor                                     Recalled to PIT

Fri, Mar. 26      (G) Emil Larmi                                                  Recalled to PIT

Fri, Mar. 26      (G) Max Lagacé                                          Reassigned by PIT