UPDATE: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have delivered a decisive blow to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, clinching a commanding 6-2 victory on December 8, 2023, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. This win marks the Penguins’ fourth consecutive victory over the Phantoms this season, solidifying their dominance in the Atlantic Division.
The Penguins, now boasting a record of 16-5-1, are maintaining a tight grip on the top spot in the division, just ahead of the Providence Bruins. Meanwhile, the Phantoms remain just two points above the Hershey Bears for the third position, making every game crucial as the season progresses.
The game started with excitement as Sam Poulin netted the opening goal just seven minutes into the first period, giving Wilkes-Barre a brief 1-0 lead. However, the Phantoms quickly equalized, tying the game at 1-1 by the end of the first period.
The turning point came in the second period when the Penguins unleashed a flurry of goals. Tristan Broz ignited the scoring with a power-play goal, followed by back-to-back strikes from Danton Heinen and Avery Hayes during a six-minute offensive explosion that put the Penguins ahead 4-1.
The Phantoms struggled to respond, and the Penguins continued to pile on the pressure. Late in the match, Atley Calvert and Aidan McDonough added two more goals for Wilkes-Barre, sealing the fate of the Phantoms with a final score of 6-2.
In goal, Sergei Murashov showcased his skills, stopping 34 of 36 shots faced, ensuring a strong defensive performance.
Looking ahead, the Penguins are set to travel to Hershey on Saturday to face the Bears in another critical matchup. They will return home next Saturday to take on the Providence Bruins, aiming to extend their winning streak.
This latest victory not only highlights the Penguins’ impressive form but also raises the stakes in the Atlantic Division as teams vie for playoff positioning. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating stretch run in the coming weeks.
