Sports stats



AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Poulin's Two Goals, Gordie Howe Hatty Give Pens 4-3 Win

January 26, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


ALLENTOWN, Pa. - An inspired effort by Sam Poulin shut down a comeback by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and propelled the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to a 4-3 win on Friday night at PPL Center.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (23-17-5-0) saw a three-goal lead disappear throughout the course of regulation, but Poulin would not let his team lose. The 22-year-old scored two goals, including the game-winner late in regulation, to go along with an assist and a fight for a "Gordie Howe" hat trick.

Jesse Puljujärvi opened the scoring for the second time this week, potting a power-play goal four minutes into the game. Tic-tac-toe passing by the Penguins ultimately led to Puljujärvi launching a one-timer into a wide-open net.

A beautiful goal by Marc Johnstone extended Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's lead to two midway through the first frame. Johnstone, a right-hand shot, came streaking down the left-wing boards and came barreling towards the Phantoms' net. Johnstone faked like he was going to drive across the crease and quickly flicked the puck bar-down on the short-side corner.

The Penguins went up by three when Poulin rifled a short-distance shot past the glove of Phantoms goalie Felix Sandström at 16:42 of the first period.

Garrett Wilson put Lehigh Valley on the board at 9:13 of the second period, but paid the price for a big hit six minutes later. After laying out Penguins forward Radim Zohorna, Wilson was challenged to a fight by Poulin. Poulin held his own in his bout with the AHL's penalty minutes leader and completed his Gordie Howe hat trick in the process.

A power-play goal by Bobby Brink with 27.7 seconds left before the second intermission pulled the Phantoms within one. Another man-advantage marker courtesy of Adam Brooks tied the game, 3-3, eight minutes into the third period.

With time ticking down in regulation, Zohorna set up Poulin for a chance all alone in the slot. Poulin did not miss, scorching a shot past Sandström for the game-winner with 89 seconds left in the game.

Magnus Hellberg posted a season-high 37 saves for the Penguins, while Sandström picked up 21 saves in the loss.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's next game is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 27, when the team returns to home ice to face the Hershey Bears. Puck drop between the Penguins and Bears is slated for 6:05 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

Season-ticket packages for the Penguins' 25th season of hockey are on sale now. Full-Season, 22-game, 12-game, Flexbook and Premium Seating plans are available by reaching out to the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367. Individual-game tickets are also available by visiting Ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or calling the Penguins' front office at (570) 208-7367.

-penguins-

Check out the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2024


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