The Heartbreak in Hershey
In a dramatic finish to their game against the Hershey Bears on Tuesday, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins found themselves just inches away from tying the game and forcing overtime. Forward Boris Katchouk seemingly tipped in the puck with only 2.2 seconds remaining, sending the Penguins’ bench and fans into a frenzy. However, their joy was short-lived as AHL officials quickly overruled the call, citing a high-sticking infraction. Despite Katchouk’s insistence that the puck hit his arm and not his stick, the goal was disallowed. The stoppage was a crushing blow, as the Penguins’ hopes of a comeback were dashed, leaving the final score at 5-4 in favor of the Bears.
The Injustice of No Video Review
The controversy surrounding the call was further exacerbated by the AHL’s lack of video review capabilities. In a league that prides itself as the second-best in the world, the absence of such a critical tool is hard to justify. WBS head coach Kirk MacDonald was understandably frustrated, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. "Whether the call is right or wrong is not necessarily the point of whether the process is right or wrong," MacDonald told Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey. "At the end of the day, we should have video review for that. We’re in the 2nd best league in the world. Even in the USHL, we would have had a video review for that." The incident only adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for the AHL to adopt video review, a feature that has become standard in higher-tier leagues.
A Slow Start and a Gutsy Effort
The Penguins’ journey to this pivotal moment was far from smooth. Having previously shut out the Bears 9-0 on January 29, the Penguins struggled to find their rhythm early in this game. By the end of the first period, they trailed 3-2, with goals from forwards Emil Bemstrom and Valtteri Puustinen. The second period saw the gap widen to 4-2, but the Penguins didn’t lose heart. Avery Hayes sparked a comeback in the final frame, cutting the lead to 4-3 with a well-executed backhand shot. Hershey’s empty-net goal later extended their lead to 5-3, but WBS fought back one more time, with defenseman Mac Hollowell scoring his first goal of the season to make it 5-4. The Penguins’ determination was evident, but Katchouk’s denied goal proved to be a deciding factor.
The NHL Scouts’ Presence
Adding to the drama, the game was closely watched by a significant number of NHL scouts. With the NHL on a two-week hiatus due to the 4 Nations Face-off, scouts from teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights were in attendance. The rare opportunity to evaluate AHL talent in person without the distraction of NHL games led to a packed crowd of scouts at the GIANT Center in Hershey. This heightened scrutiny of the game adds another layer of importance to the Penguins’ performance, as players like Katchouk and Hollowell seek to impress potential future employers.
The Trading Speculation
The presence of so many scouts, particularly from teams like Anaheim, which had two representatives, raises intriguing possibilities. With the trade deadline approaching, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, has expressed a willingness to make significant moves. Dubas, who is also Team Canada’s Director of Player Personnel, might be exploring deals that could bring in elite young talent. Teams like Anaheim, Buffalo, Dallas, and Chicago, known for their developing prospects, could be on the radar. The absence of a trade freeze during the 4 Nations break means that any significant discussions could already be underway. The next few games, especially those with a similar scout presence, will be crucial in determining the Penguins’ strategy.
Looking Forward
The Penguins will have a chance to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next game, a Valentine’s Day matchup against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The loss to the Bears, while painful, provides a valuable lesson in the importance of every play and the need for technology to ensure fairness in the game. The team’s resilience and the potential for significant roster changes in the coming weeks keep fans and players alike on the edge of their seats. As the season progresses, the Penguins will continue to battle with the same determination that nearly brought them a last-minute tie in Hershey.
