Roster Rundown
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are heading into this matchup with some notable names on the ice. Valtteri Puustinen has been an offensive force, notching up 25 goals and 32 assists this season, a key playmaker for the Penguins. On the blue line, Taylor Fedun brings experience and stability, having blocked 85 shots—a crucial aspect of his game. Alex Nylander, despite a mid-season slump, has bounced back with 20 goals, demonstrating his knack for finding the net. In the crease, goaltender Taylor Gauthier has been a pillar, with a save percentage of .915. The Penguins will, unfortunately, miss the services of forwards Sam Poulin and Joel Blomqvist, both sidelined due to injuries.
Hershey Bears boast a dynamic duo in Mike Sgarbossa and Ethen Frank. Sgarbossa, a crafty center, has accumulated 28 goals and 35 assists, while Frank has chipped in with 23 goals. On defense, Aaron Ness’s 92 blocked shots make him a formidable presence on the back end. Between the pipes, the Bears rely on Hunter Shepard, who boasts a .921 save percentage. Hershey, however, will be without the services of Beck Malenstyn and Mason Morelli, both out with injuries.
Head-to-Head
The history between these two teams is rich with competition.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and
Hershey Bears have clashed 122 times since their first encounter in 2016. Penguins have secured 53 victories, while Bears have taken 64 wins, with 5 matches ending in a draw. Always a heated rivalry, both teams know each other's playbooks well, making for a thrilling showdown.
Recent Form
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have had a roller-coaster ride in their last five outings. They lost to Cleveland Monsters twice, first 3-0, then 7-1. The Penguins struggled against Charlotte Checkers, losing 5-2, but managed to snag a win in a 5-3 rematch. A nail-biting 4-3 victory over Hartford Wolf Pack rounds off their recent form.
For
Hershey Bears, their recent games show a more consistent track. They’ve emerged victorious in three straight games, edging Hartford Wolf Pack twice, 2-1 and 3-2, and defeating Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2-1. The Bears stumbled against Utica Comets, suffering losses of 7-4 and 4-2, but they’re still on a stronger footing than their rivals.
Wrap-Up
The upcoming matchup between
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and
Hershey Bears pits two familiar foes against each other, with both teams navigating various challenges. Penguins lean heavily on their offensive lines, spearheaded by Puustinen and Nylander, while the Bears counter with a balanced attack led by Sgarbossa and Frank. Goalie performances could tip the scales, with Gauthier and Shepard both keen to keep their respective nets safe. Penguins face the uphill battle of missing key players, while Bears look to exploit this advantage.
Summary
The stage is set for an intense game as
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins face off against
Hershey Bears. Penguins, despite recent struggles, have shown resilience. Bears, on a stronger form, might just have the edge. With both sides knowing each other inside out, fans can expect a game where every pass, every shot, and every save counts. Whether it’s the Penguins breaking their slump or the Bears extending their consistent run, this matchup promises a spectacle that could go either way.
Match Odds Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – Hershey Bears
Leon's odds are 2.35 on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins winning at home.
At this moment our odds are equal to 2.62 on Hershey Bears visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are 4.28.
