Penguins Edge Thunderbirds in Tight Battle Behind Klassen’s Clutch Goal, Murashov’s Late Heroics
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - In a game that had all the makings of a grind-it-out matinee, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins found just enough offense - and got just enough goaltending - to squeeze past the Springfield Thunderbirds, 3-2, on Monday afternoon at MassMutual Center.
With the score tied in the third period and momentum hanging in the balance, it was Gabe Klassen who stepped up and delivered the decisive blow. The 20-year-old forward parked himself in the high-traffic real estate atop the crease and buried a slick feed from Rutger McGroarty, giving the Penguins a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
From there, it was all about Sergei Murashov. The AHL All-Star turned away 25 shots on the afternoon, including a pair of critical saves in the final minute - none bigger than a lightning-quick kick save with just 15 seconds left that preserved the win.
This one didn’t come easy. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (26-11-1-2) came out flying in the first period, peppering Springfield netminder Vadim Zherenko with 16 shots. But Zherenko was up to the task - and then some - flashing the glove, kicking out pads, and even getting help from the iron as the Penguins rang a couple off the post and crossbar.
Springfield made the most of its chances early, with Simon Robertsson netting his first goal of the season midway through the opening frame to put the T-Birds up 1-0.
But the Penguins didn’t waste time answering back in the second. Just 86 seconds in, Valtteri Puustinen found twine on a broken play that started with a faceoff win by Atley Calvert. Aidan McDonough’s initial shot was blocked, but the puck kicked right to Puustinen, who wasted no time snapping it home to tie things up.
That goal seemed to flip the switch for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Midway through the period, Puustinen turned provider, setting up defenseman Chase Pietila for his first AHL goal - a go-ahead tally that gave the Penguins a 2-1 edge heading into the third.
Springfield wasn’t going quietly, though. A double-minor for high-sticking gave the T-Birds a four-minute power play, and they made it count. Captain Matthew Peca cashed in on a rebound just 3:45 into the third period, knotting the game at 2-2.
From there, it was a battle of wills. The Penguins dominated possession, forcing Springfield into long shifts in their own zone.
Eventually, the pressure cracked them. McGroarty threaded a pass to Klassen, who slammed it past Zherenko with just under 11 minutes to play.
Zherenko did everything he could to keep Springfield in it, finishing with a whopping 45 saves on 48 shots. But the Penguins’ relentless attack - and Murashov’s steady presence in net - proved to be the difference.
Up next, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will square off once again with the Thunderbirds on Jan. 19, before returning home to host the Belleville Senators on Jan. 21 at Mohegan Arena. With the team heating up and key players stepping up in big moments, the Penguins are showing they’re more than just a contender - they’re a team that knows how to close.