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Penguins Make Multiple Roster Transactions After Calder Cup Playoff Exit
Photo credit: WBS Penguins official
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were eliminated after losing to the Phantoms last night, and the team has made several moves, sending players to the ECHL.
For a time Friday night, it seemed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins would avoid another early playoff exit. Up 2-1 midway through the third period, they were an eyelash away from forcing Lehigh Valley to a winner-take-all Game 3.
But it was not to be. The Phantoms tied the game just 90 seconds after WBS had taken the lead, then scored the winner with two minutes left in the third, securing the Penguins' second straight first-round sweep.
Goaltender Sergei Murashov, recalled from Wheeling after the injury to Joel Blomqvist, made 28 saves in the defeat. After a subdued first period, Lehigh Valley's Anthony Richard got things started late in the second.
WBS responded with a Tristan Broz power-play goal before intermission. Early in the third, Ville Koivunen set up a breakaway that led to Harrison Brunicke's first pro goal, and WBS had a brief 2-1 lead.
But Jacob Gaucher's quick response and Helge Grans' late game-winner closed out the Penguins' season. A sixth attacker in the final seconds was not enough to prolong their season.
Two goalies and two forwards were re-assigned to the Wheeling Nailers
Four players, including two goaltenders, were assigned to the Wheeling Nailers to assist in their playoff push following the defeat.
Gabe Klassen and Logan Pietila were the two forwards assigned, and Taylor Gauthier as well as Sergei Murashov were the two goaltenders sent down.
Wheeling backed into a Game 5 with Norfolk with a 4-1 win Friday and will attempt to extend their Kelly Cup season on Saturday.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 180 ANSWERS Penguins Make Multiple Roster Transactions After Calder Cup Playoff Exit Will the AHL Penguins be a better team next year? | ||
| Yes | 136 | 75.6 % |
| No | 44 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||