URGENT UPDATE: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins faced a dramatic defeat against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, losing 4-3 in a thrilling shootout on December 17, 2023, at the PPL Center in Allentown. This marks the Phantoms’ first victory over the Penguins this season, ending a five-game losing streak in their matchups.
In an intense battle, the Penguins initially surged ahead with an early goal from Rafael Harvey-Pinard, his sixth of the season, giving them a 1-0 lead after the first period. Just three minutes into the second period, Harvey-Pinard struck again, doubling the Penguins’ advantage to 2-0. However, the Phantoms rallied back, scoring two quick goals to tie the game 2-2 by the end of the second period.
The Phantoms took their first lead of the game with Oscar Elkind netting his first goal of the season, pushing the score to 3-2. Yet, the Penguins responded swiftly, with David Breazeale equalizing just under a minute later, assisted by Harvey-Pinard and Chase Pietila.
The game proceeded to a shootout where Lehigh Valley shone, as both Tucker Robertson and Cooper Marody successfully converted their shots. Meanwhile, the Penguins struggled, missing both attempts, sealing their fate in this hard-fought contest.
In goal, Joel Blomqvist put up a commendable performance, stopping 35 of the 38 shots he faced.
Looking ahead, the Penguins are set to play two crucial games this week, starting with a match against Charlotte on December 19, 2023, at 7:05 p.m. at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. They will then travel to face Syracuse on December 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has a close record against Charlotte this season, standing at 2-2, while this matchup with Syracuse will be their first meeting.
This latest defeat adds urgency to the Penguins’ upcoming games as they look to bounce back and secure their standings. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds in the coming matches.
