Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Update 11/6/12

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had a successful weekend road trip. Before the road trip, the Penguins were 2-5-0. Now, the Penguins were able to defeat the Manchester Monarchs and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
The Manchester Monarchs are currently the best team in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins had a difficult game ahead of them, but they were able to blank the Monarchs 3-0. After a scoreless first period, Eric Tangradi scored a power play goal in the second period to put the Penguins ahead 1-0, while extending his goal scoring streak to 5 games. The Penguins scored a power play goal later in the period off of a slap shot from defenseman Dylan Reese. The Penguins would end the game with an empty net goal by Paul Thompson with 40.1 seconds remaining in the third period.
The Penguins went on to play the Bridgeport Sound Tigers ranked 2nd in the Northeast Division. The Penguins were tied halfway through the second period, when Paul Thompson began his scoring stretch. He scored with a wrist shot from the far circle with about 12 minutes remaining in the period. Thompson later scored from the slot with an assist from Brian Gibbons 5 minutes later to put the Penguins up 3-1. Thompson completed the Natural Hat Trick with a goal that went five hole to beat the goaltender with 37 seconds remaining in the second. The Penguins were able to defeat the Tigers 5-3.
The Penguins are going to play the Binghamton Senators tomorrow night at home. Games can be watched at the Penguin's website.
That is it for this week. Check back next time for another AHL/NHL update.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Update

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite the NHL's lockout, the AHL continues to play games.  The Penguins have started out this season pretty rough, dropping the first four games of the season. After two wins against Rochester and Syracuse last week, the Penguins are at a 2-5-0 record. Each contest has been down to one or two goals, so the Penguins are not doing as bad as their record shows. Currently, Eric Tangradi is leading the team with five goals and zero assists, with five points on the season. Goaltender Jeff Zatkoff has struggled in his five games started. He has a save percentage of .894. His backup, Brad Thiessian, has played two games, won one game, and has let by 7 goals.
The Penguins are hoping for a much needed win tonight at Manchester before going to Bridgeport. Manchester has started out a solid team winning 5 out of their 6 competitions so far this season. In this situation, every game is a must win for the Penguins. Because they are 3 games under .500, the team needs to step up their game. Despite a few stars, such as Tangradi, stepping up and scoring for the team, many of the players are struggling, especially the goaltenders.
While I look at this situation as a must win, I still must remember that it is early in the season. But, every game is crucial during the year.
By the way, for those of you who are going to comment "This is a Pittsburgh Penguins blog! Who cares about the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins?!?" Many players from the WBS Penguins come up to the NHL to play when players are injured.. Brad Thiessian played a few games last year for the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Eric Tangradi, Philippe Dupuis, and Simon Despres. The development of these players are crucial so they can hopefully play in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins when they are needed.
That is it for this week. Check back next time!