Sports stats

AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Penguins' Slump Accentuated by 4-1 Loss to Bears

December 6, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


HERSHEY, Pa. - Fatigue, a strong opponent, and a bevy of blocked shots all could be to blame for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' most recent loss, but no matter the excuse, the Penguins simply did not get the job done on Sunday evening.

The Hershey Bears defeated the Penguins, 4-1, at Giant Center, handing Wilkes-Barre/Scranton their third loss in three nights.

"I think that was the first game of the weekend that we got outplayed," said Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. "We're not moving the puck with the same conviction, the same swagger. We need to get that back in our game."

Hershey struck first 10:23 into the game when Erik Burgdoerfer's slap shot beat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goalie Matt Murray. Burgdoerfer's goal was his second of the year and third of his career, all three of which have come against the Penguins.

"Their first goal, for me, that's a lot of puck luck for them and not a lot for us," Sullivan said. "That's hockey. That happens.

"Their second goal, that's a tough one."

The Bears earned their second goal when Connor Carrick converted on a two-on-one rush to extend the Bears' lead to 2-0 at 12:34 of the second period while the Penguins were caught pressing in the offensive zone.

"Sometimes you can be guilty of trying too hard instead of taking what the game gives you," Sullivan said.

The Penguins made things interesting when Tim Erixon's point shot pinballed past Justin Peters with 2:07 left in the game to make it 2-1. However, Nathan Walker and Chris Bourque both scored empty net goals five seconds apart to secure the Bears' 12th win of the season with the 4-1 victory.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's power play was foiled five different times, extending the team's scoreless streak on the man advantage to 18-straight opportunities.

Hershey's five-for-five penalty kill was made possible by an impressive shot-blocking performance by its forwards and defensemen, a performance that gradually bled its way into the team's even strength play. The Bears' shot blockers were a big reason why the Penguins were held to one goal for just the fifth time this season.

"I think that's the new game, whether it be in the NHL or in pro hockey or the American (Hockey) League," Sullivan said of frequent shot blocks. "There are layers of shot blockers. It is a skill to get pucks through. We have to find ways to get pucks to the net... With the way teams defend, it's hard to play just underneath the hashmarks. You need to spread the zone to open things up."

The Penguins were held to under double digit shots on goal in all three periods as the final shots ticker read 33-22 in favor of the Bears.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has two days to regroup before its next contest on Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza against the Syracuse Crunch. It's the first meeting of the season between the Penguins and Crunch, and game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

GAME NOTES:

Tim Erixon's goal gave him five points (1G-4A) in three games this season vs. Hershey.

After allowing seven power play goals in its last seven games, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's penalty kill successfully killed all three of Hershey's man advantages on Sunday.

Former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin Zach Sill put forth a two-point performance with two assists on the night.

Matt Murray made 29 saves on 31 shots in the loss, while Justin Peters stopped 22 of the pucks thrown his way.

Check out the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central