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!
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