Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Third Place at All-Star Break
February 6, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release
Weekly Rewind
Wednesday, Jan. 31 - PENGUINS 1 vs. Toronto 4
In the first-ever meeting between father and son, Penguins forward Jonathan Gruden scored his team's only goal, but Marlies head coach John Gruden for the last laugh with the win. After Jonathan Gruden tied the game in the third period, the Marlies scored 18 seconds later to reestablish the lead followed by a pair of empty-net goals.
Friday, Feb. 2 - PENGUINS 4 at Hartford 5
A three-goal Penguins' comeback fell just short on Friday night in Hartford. Down 4-1 in the second period, Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton received tallies from Peter Abbandonato and two from Vinnie Hinostroza to force overtime. Hartford's Brett Berard scored 49 seconds into OT to take the win.
Saturday, Feb. 3 - PENGUINS 3 at Lehigh Valley 1
In the final game before the break, Joel Blomqvist once again proved why he was chosen as the team's All-Star. Blomqvist notched 20 saves and came within 1:54 of pitching his first AHL shutout. Ty Smith opened the scoring in the first period, and Joona Koppanen gathered the game-winner with a third-period shorthanded goal.
Monday, Feb. 5 - AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC
Joel Blomqvist and the Atlantic Division went 2-1 in round robin play but lost in the final seconds of the final to the host Pacific Division, 3-2. Blomqvist was credited with two assists across his team's four games.
The Week Ahead
Friday, Feb. 9 - PENGUINS at Lehigh Valley
The Penguins resume play exactly where they left off, at PPL Center. The Penguins have collected five of a possible six points in their season series against the Phantoms thus far, and the road team has won all three games. Sam Poulin leads the rivalry series with four points (2G-2A).
Ice Chips
- On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Jesse Puljujärvi to a two-year contract. In 13 games on a PTO with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Puljujärvi earned 9 points (4G-5A).
- Joel Blomqvist ranks second in the league in goals against average (2.08) and third in save percentage (.922).
- Alex Nylander has six points (1G-5A) in his last seven games.
- Sam Poulin has six points (3G-3A) in his last six games.
-Ty Smith is tied for the fifth-most points by AHL defensemen with 29 (7G-22A).
- Peter Abbandonato's next game will be his 200th AHL game.
DIVISION STANDINGS
TEAM GP W L OTL SOL PTS Pts%
1. Hershey 46 36 8 0 2 74 .804
2. Providence 46 28 13 3 2 61 .663
3. PENGUINS 46 24 16 6 0 54 .587
4. Hartford 41 23 13 5 0 51 .622
5. Springfield 45 21 19 3 2 47 .522
6. Charlotte 45 21 20 4 0 46 .511
7. Lehigh Valley 43 18 18 5 2 43 .500
8. Bridgeport 43 13 25 5 0 31 .360
TEAM LEADERS
SKATERS GP G A PTS
Ty Smith 42 7 22 29
Alex Nylander 38 13 13 26
Rem PitlickX 32 8 16 24
Peter Abbandonato 40 7 15 22
Sam Poulin 26 11 7 18
GOALIES GP W-L-OT GAA SV% Shutouts
Joel Blomqvist* 26 14-7-3 2.08 .922 0
Magnus Hellberg 16 8-6-2 2.96 .904 0
* = rookie
X = no longer on roster
UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME
Fri, Feb. 9 Lehigh Valley PPL Center 7:05 p.m.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Sun, Feb. 4 (D) John Ludvig Recalled by PIT
Sun, Feb. 4 (RW) Jesse Puljujärvi Signed by PIT
American Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2024
- Kile Returns to Maine - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Syracuse Crunch Weekly - Vol. 30, No. 17 - Syracuse Crunch
- The Bridgeport Report: Week 17 - Bridgeport Islanders
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Third Place at All-Star Break - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Griffins Ride Six-Game Win Streak into Weekend Series against Manitoba - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Rangers Assign Defenseman Connor Mackey to Wolf Pack - Hartford Wolf Pack
- Lucas Carlsson Shines at 2024 AHL All-Star Classic - Charlotte Checkers
- Doan and Villalta Help the Pacific Division Win the All-Star Challenge - Tucson Roadrunners
- Pacific Division Wins 2024 AHL All-Star Challenge Championship - AHL
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