Going into January, it is important for teams to face the fact: In order to head to playoffs, January games are a must win. After earning five out of six points in this last week with interdivisional rivals, the Penguins face 3 more games on the road with divisional teams.
Friday, January 12 – Providence
These two teams have faced each other four times this season. With the season series being split at 2 wins for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and 2 wins for Providence, who will win? Records show the visiting team has won each time. Providence is currently 20th in the AHL for their Power play at 17.9% and 27th in the AHL for their Penalty Kill at 76.6%. They currently sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 19-12-2-2 record and 42 points.
Saturday, January 13 – Bridgeport
With the Islanders being in last place in the Divisional Standings, this would be a good game for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to make up some ground. The Islanders are currently 32nd in the AHL with a 10-19-3-0 record. Regarding the Powerplay, Bridgeport is 23rd with a17.4% and 23rd for their PK with a 79.0%. Moscow, Russia native Ruslan Iskhakov is currently leading Bridgeport in points with 28. Iskhakov is currently leading the team in Game Winning Goals with 4.
Monday, January 15 – Springfield
With a day off in between Bridgeport, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head off to Springfield, MA. This is the second of three games between the two teams this month. Springfield is 19th in the AHL for their power play at 18.1% and 17th in the league for their penalty kill at 80.6%. Massachusetts native Adam Gaudette is leading Springfield in points with 32. He currently has 6 power play goals, 4 game winning goals, and 3 shootout attempts.
Important Notes
- Rem Pitlick was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for a conditional 7th round pick in 2026 NHL Entry Draft
- Rookie Goaltender Joel Blomqvist has won his last 5 starts between the pipes. He has only allowed one goal in each of those wins. He currently is in third for GAA at 2.16 and fifth for his save percentage .920.
- Peter Abbandonato, who was acquired in a trade in November, has gained 10 points in ten home games. He has tallied 3 goals and 7 assists.
- Matt Filipe will play his 100th AHL game on Friday January 13th
- Alex Nylander is only two points away from tallying his 200th AHL point
- Ty Smith is now leading the team in points with 23. He has 4 goals and 19 assists.
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is currently in 4th place in the Atlantic with a 18-12-4-0 record, they are sitting at 8th in the AHL.
- Owen Headrick has cracked the lineup after being recalled from Wheeling and has played in 2 games to date.
On the Move
- Ryan Shea- Defenseman- Recalled by Pittsburgh
- Taylor Gauthier- Goaltender- Re-assigned to Wheeling
- Jesse Puljujarvi- Right Winger- Signed to PTO
- Rem Pitlick- Center- Traded by Pittsburgh to Chicago
