UPDATE: In a gripping showdown, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins fell to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 4-3 in a dramatic shootout at the PPL Center in Allentown this afternoon, marking the Phantoms’ first victory over the Penguins this season after five attempts.
The Penguins started strong, with Rafael Harvey-Pinard scoring his sixth goal of the season to give them a quick 1-0 lead just moments into the game. Pinard struck again early in the second period, extending the lead to 2-0. However, the Phantoms rallied back, scoring two consecutive goals to tie the game at 2-2 by the end of the second period.
The tide turned when Oscar Elkind netted his first goal of the season, pushing the Phantoms ahead 3-2. Yet, less than a minute later, the Penguins answered back with a goal from David Breazeale, assisted by Chase Pietila and Pinard, leveling the score at 3-3.
In the shootout, the Phantoms showed their prowess, converting on both attempts by Tucker Robertson and Cooper Marody. The Penguins, however, were unable to find the net, missing both of their chances, sealing their fate in this tight contest.
Goalie Joel Blomqvist was instrumental for the Penguins, stopping 35 of 38 shots throughout the game. With this loss, the Penguins are now set to face two crucial games this week as they close out 2023. They will take on Charlotte at Mohegan Arena on Tuesday, December 31, 2023, at 7:05 p.m., before heading on the road to battle Syracuse on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has a 2-2 record against Charlotte this season, and this upcoming matchup against Syracuse will be their first meeting of the year.
Fans are eager for the Penguins to bounce back, and anticipation builds as they prepare for these pivotal games. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds!
