After dropping a game to the Laval Rocket and bringing home a win against the Belleville Senators, the Penguins look ahead to a new week and go into the New Year on a high note.
Continue the PA Rivalry:
In seasons past at this point, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has played both Hershey and Lehigh Valley. In 2023-24, Wilkes-Barre has faced Hershey 6 times, with December 27th being the 7th meeting. The Penguins have not seen the Phantoms yet this season, but will soon with the first matchup on January 6th. The Bears have taken four out of the six meetings in the season thus far. In the six games, Joe Snively has scored six goal against the Pens. Unsurprisingly, Hershey is the 1st team in the Atlantic Division with a 24-6-0-0 record. They are fifth in the AHL for their power play at 22.8% and they are second in the league at 86.8% for their penalty kill.
Charlotte Checkers:
The Penguins host the Checkers in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena. Each team have a win against each other for an even split down the middle. Charlotte’s Lucas Carlsson is tied in second place for all defenseman in the AHL for 8 goals scored while Wilkes-Barre’s Ty Smith is tied in second for the most points by a defenseman at 22 points. The Checkers are 14th in the league with a 14-10-3-0 record. They are 12th in the league for their power play at 14.5% and fourth in the league for their penalty kill at 86.2%.
Important Notes:
- After the last 5 games, the Penguins are now 6-2-1-0 against North Division teams
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is tied with the Texas Stars for the most third period goals with 39 being scored.
- In the last 10 games, Rem Pitlick has 11 points with 4 goals and 7 assists being notched.
- In the last 8 games, Alex Nylander has 8 points in the last 7 games. He has tallied 5 goals and 3 assists.
- Sam Poulin returned from injury on December 16th. Since returning, he has 3 goals and 1 assist, making for 4 points in 3 games.
- Alex Nylander is 4 points away from hitting a milestone: 200 points in the AHL
- Magnus Hellberg was between the pipes for his 200th AHL game against Laval
Move Up, Move Down- Transactions
- Ryan Shea- Defenseman- Loaned from Pittsburgh (NHL)
- Vinnie Hinostroza- Center- Returned on loan from Pittsburgh (NHL)
