Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Midseason Check-In: Rising Contributors, Goaltending Brilliance, and a Resilient Stretch
It’s been an eventful two weeks for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who’ve gone 4-2-1 over their last seven contests. That stretch has featured everything from breakout performances to gritty goaltending battles, and while the roster has seen some key names exit, new faces are stepping up in meaningful ways.
A Statement Win in Providence
The Penguins kicked off the run with a commanding 4-1 win on the road against Providence. That one wasn’t just about the scoreboard-it was a tone-setter.
Sergei Murashov was lights-out between the pipes, stopping a career-high 36 shots in the AHL. It was the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice.
Tristan Broz led the way offensively with a pair of goals, while Joona Koppanen and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard chipped in to help WBS take over first place in the division.
A Split with Hartford
The next two games brought a home-and-home set against Hartford. The opener didn’t go WBS’s way, despite a spirited comeback attempt. Gabe Klassen scored twice, but a rough second period-where the Wolf Pack poured in three goals-proved too much to overcome in a 4-3 loss.
But the Penguins didn’t dwell on it. The very next night, they came out flying, scoring three times in the opening 20 minutes and cruising to a 4-1 bounce-back win.
Harvey-Pinard was all over the ice in the first period, picking up a goal and two assists. And a special moment came in the second period when Finn Harding netted his first AHL goal, adding some insurance and a feel-good milestone.
Reinforcements Return-and Contribute
The Penguins got a double boost in their 3-2 win over Springfield, with Rutger McGroarty returning from the NHL and Avery Hayes back from injury. Both made their presence felt immediately. Valtteri Puustinen, Chase Pietila, and Klassen provided the scoring, and WBS walked away with its second straight win.
A Goaltending Duel and a Shootout Thriller
In a tightly contested 3-2 overtime loss to Belleville, fans were treated to a goaltending clinic. Joel Blomqvist and Leevi Meriläinen-former teammates and still friends-put on a show.
Meriläinen was especially sharp early, stopping 25 shots in the first two periods alone to keep Belleville in the game. Harvey-Pinard and Atley Calvert tallied for the Penguins, but the B-Sens found the game-winner in OT.
Then came a thriller in Hershey. The Penguins edged the Bears 4-3 in a shootout, in what felt like a playoff-style game.
Owen Pickering and Ville Koivunen struck early, and Avery Hayes came through in the clutch with a late tying goal. McGroarty was the engine, assisting on all three regulation goals.
Koivunen added the lone shootout marker, and Murashov shut the door with three straight saves to seal the win.
A Tough Finish Against Charlotte
The week wrapped with a 5-2 loss to Charlotte, closing out the eight-game season series. Gabe Klassen and Aidan McDonough found the back of the net, and Blomqvist turned in a strong 35-save performance. But Charlotte had WBS’s number all season, sweeping their four visits to Mohegan Sun Arena.
New Faces, Bigger Roles
It’s been a season of transition for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With key contributors like Sam Poulin and Valtteri Puustinen traded, and NHL call-ups like Danton Heinen and Philip Tomasino moving on, there’s been a noticeable shift in the lineup. That’s opened the door for players on AHL contracts to step into the spotlight.
Gabe Klassen, in particular, has seized the opportunity. With 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) over his last 11 games, the 22-year-old is emerging as a legitimate offensive threat.
After spending most of last season in Wheeling, Klassen’s development has taken a big leap. He’s gone from a depth piece to a top-six center, often lining up alongside some of the organization’s premier prospects.
Aaron Huglen, Aidan McDonough, and Atley Calvert are also seeing their roles expand. These aren’t household names-at least not yet-but they’re becoming critical pieces to the Penguins’ puzzle as the season wears on.
Goaltending and Defense: The Foundation
In the AHL, where scoring tends to be lower and structure matters, strong goaltending and a reliable blue line can carry you a long way. That’s been the case for WBS.
With Blomqvist and Murashov anchoring the crease, the Penguins boast one of the league’s most dependable goalie tandems. Both have delivered big-time performances over the past two weeks, and their consistency gives the team a chance every night.
The defense corps has also been solid, keeping games manageable and allowing the offense to find its footing even when the goals don’t come easy.
The Return of McGroarty and Koivunen
McGroarty’s return has been especially encouraging. After missing time due to a concussion sustained in NHL practice, he’s come back strong, notching five assists in just four games. He’s looked sharp, confident, and creative-exactly what you want to see from a top prospect getting back into rhythm.
Koivunen, reassigned to the AHL in early January, has also been productive, tallying six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in nine games. His playmaking ability and vision have added another layer to the Penguins’ attack.
Injury Notes
One name missing from recent box scores is Tristan Broz, WBS’s leading scorer. He’s expected to miss a few weeks with an undisclosed injury.
Joona Koppanen has also been sidelined after blocking a shot. Their absences have tested the team’s depth, but so far, the Penguins are finding ways to stay competitive.
Bottom Line: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is navigating a period of change with resilience. The goaltending is elite, the defense is steady, and a new wave of contributors is stepping up to keep the team in the hunt. With young players like Klassen, McGroarty, and Koivunen continuing to grow, and veterans like Harvey-Pinard leading by example, the Penguins are building something worth watching in the second half of the season.