Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Are Proving They Can Win in Multiple Ways

It wasn’t just the defensive unit either. The entire roster was playing well defensively, from forechecking to blocking shots. The Penguins are known for having a forward group that can come at teams in waves, especially when Ville Koivunen is on the top line (which is the plan for him on Sunday). This season, the group is displaying its ability to defend. 

The Penguins are a team capable of winning low-scoring games. They have a goaltender with a high upside and a defense that will improve into a complete unit a few months into the season. They showed up against the Wolf Pack and will look to do the same against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a much better team offensively. Early on, they’ve proven capable of holding their own. 

The Penguins Next Wave of Prospects

The Penguins are a rebuilding team, one of the many in the NHL that is looking at the long-term plan for building a Cup contender. They have a surplus of prospects in the American Hockey League (AHL) because of it. Koivunen and Harrison Brunicke are the standouts who are already making an impact at the NHL level. 

There’s a new wave of prospects on the way in the AHL. Avery Hayes and Tristan Broz are leading the way. The two forwards scored 42 goals last season and anchor the top line. A strong start from either will have them on the NHL roster as middle-six options. 

Pickering stood out in the 2-1 win. He scored the game-winning goal with a shot from the point but isn’t known for his offense. Instead, he’s known for his defense, and it’s why he can be a reliable stay-at-home option down the road. Likewise, the goaltender stood out, leading to the next big key for the Penguins.

Murashov is a Goaltender to Watch

The Penguins needed Murashov to be great on opening night, and he was. With Dylan Garand in the other net, the game was going to be a goaltending duel where he had to deliver. He stopped 23 shots, including 11 in the first period, when the Penguins were on their heels. He allowed them to come back, and that’s what they did. 

Murashov will be asked to be a star in the AHL this season. Usually, goaltenders take a few years to develop, yet the 21-year-old goaltender is already ahead of schedule. He’ll be the primary starter this season and great down the road as well. 

The Penguins have failed to find competent goaltending for years. There’s a chance Arturs Silovs, whom they acquired this offseason, is the answer. There’s also a good chance Murashov is starring on the NHL team at some point. It’s early and only one game into the new season. That said, Murashov is poised for a big season ahead. 

Penguins Can Win in Multiple Ways

The Wolf Pack put plenty of pressure on the Penguins and dictated the pace. They established the forecheck and controlled the puck in the offensive zone. The Wolf Pack usually win these games, games where their goaltender is the best player on the ice. 

The Penguins pivoted and took over the game. Their head coach, Kirk MacDonald, had his way of doing things last season, where they’d play fast and win with their puck movement. He’s showing early on that he can have the team adjust. 

That’s what happened on their opening night win. It’s why the Penguins are a team to watch in the Atlantic Division this season. In a season where the Hershey Bears might take a step back and the division is wide open, they look like they can be near the top.