Penguins Triumph in Thriller
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins snapped their three-game winless streak with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Sunday afternoon. The win was a significant one, as it not only boosted their spirits but also propelled them ahead of the Providence Bruins, securing second place in the Atlantic Division. With a record of 27-12-5-1, the Penguins are now in a strong position to chase the division lead. Despite their win, the game was a rollercoaster of emotions and intense play, showcasing the rivalry between these two Pennsylvania teams.
Early Dominance
Avery Hayes, who has been on a roll, continued his point streak for the fifth consecutive game by scoring the first goal at 6:46 in the first period. His goal, set up by Sam Poulin and Filip Král, put the Penguins on the board and set the tone for the game. Just ten minutes later, Poulin added to the Penguins’ lead with an unassisted goal at 16:03, bringing his tally to two points in the process. Poulin’s goal was particularly noteworthy as it almost completed a Gordie Howe hat trick, a rare feat in hockey that involves a goal, an assist, and a fight. The Penguins’ early dominance was clear, and they seemed well on their way to a comfortable win.
Broz’s Return and a Rapid Turnaround
Tristan Broz, who had been sidelined for over a month due to injury, made a significant impact upon his return. He scored his 15th goal of the season at 8:47 of the second period, further extending the Penguins’ lead. Hayes and Rutger McGroarty were credited with the assists, with McGroarty earning his third point in five periods. However, the momentum began to shift as Lehigh Valley got on the board at 19:02 of the second period when Jon-Randall Avon found the back of the net, beating Joel Blomqvist. The Phantoms didn’t let up, scoring again just 1:10 into the third period with Rodrigo Ābols, making it a sudden 3-2 game.
The Game-Winning Goal
The game-winning goal came from Filip Král at 5:40 in the third period. Král’s score, assisted by Owen Pickering and McGroarty, gave the Penguins a crucial one-goal cushion. McGroarty’s assist was particularly significant, as he is now just one shy of 20 assists for the season. However, the Phantoms continued to push, and Helge Grans scored at 6:28, narrowing the gap to 4-3. The Penguins held their nerve and managed to keep the Phantoms at bay, securing the victory.
Intense Physical Play
The game was characterized by its physicality and intensity, especially given the cross-state rivalry between the two teams. The first period saw several fighting majors, with Isaas Belliveau of the Penguins and Zayde Wisdom of the Phantoms receiving roughing penalties. Dan Renouf of the Penguins and Garrett Wilson of the Phantoms also dropped the gloves and received game misconduct penalties for fighting at puck drop. At the end of the second period, Sam Poulin and Louie Belpedio engaged in a fight, completing Poulin’s Gordie Howe hat trick with a goal, an assist, and a fight. These moments of physical confrontation added to the drama and excitement of the game, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of the division.
Stellar Goalkeeping
Joel Blomqvist, the Penguins’ goaltender, played a pivotal role in the victory. He avenged a previous loss to the Phantoms by making 31 saves and finishing with a .912 save percentage. On the other end, Parker Gahagen of the Phantoms made 25 saves but ultimately fell short, posting a .862 save percentage. Neither team managed to capitalize on the power play, with the Penguins going 0-for-2 and the Phantoms 0-for-1. Blomqvist’s resilience and sharp play were critical in keeping the Phantoms at bay during their late surge.
Looking Forward
After a grueling three games in three days, the Penguins can afford a brief respite. They are off until Friday, February 21, when they will visit the Hartford Wolf Pack, beginning another challenging set of three games in three days. The Penguins will need to build on the momentum from this victory and prepare for the demanding schedule ahead. Their ability to persevere and win in a tight, physical game bodes well for their future contests, especially as they aim to solidify their position in the Atlantic Division.
