In a thrilling showdown at CAA Arena, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins edged out the Belleville Senators 2-1, thanks to a flawless shootout performance. With this victory, the Penguins (38-16-6-2) have punched their ticket to the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs. This win didn't come easy, as both teams locked horns in a tight, defensive battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Penguins and Senators traded blows throughout the night, with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton finding themselves stymied by Belleville's defense during overtime. But it was the Penguins' shootout prowess that ultimately sealed the deal, with all three shooters converting their chances.
Aidan McDonough set the tone, deftly lifting a backhander over the Belleville netminder. After the Senators matched his effort, Gabe Klassen coolly slipped one through the five-hole. Then, Avery Hayes, fresh off his return from the NHL, dazzled with some quick dekes before burying the decisive forehand shot.
McDonough was also instrumental earlier in the game, opening the scoring with his seventh power-play goal of the season. He powered through the Belleville defense and unleashed a shot that zipped under the crossbar, giving the Penguins an early lead.
Belleville responded with a two-on-none breakaway, as Tyler Boucher evened things up with just under five minutes left in the second period.
The Penguins showcased their resilience in the third, surviving consecutive penalty kills to push the game into overtime. In the extra session, goalies Joel Blomqvist and Leevi Meriläinen put on a clinic. Blomqvist stood tall against the league's top scorer, Arthur Kaliyev, while Meriläinen thwarted Hayes on two breakaways.
This shootout triumph marked the Penguins' first perfect three-for-three shootout since 2019, securing their playoff spot in style. Blomqvist was a wall throughout, making 28 saves in regulation and overtime, and stopping one of Belleville's shootout attempts.
Looking ahead, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wraps up their Canadian road trip against the Toronto Marlies on Sunday, March 22, at Coca-Cola Coliseum. They'll then return home for a special Star Wars Night clash against the Laval Rocket on March 28.
Fans can catch every moment of Penguins hockey live on AHLTV via FloHockey, offering access to all regular-season and playoff games, as well as a treasure trove of hockey action from various leagues.