UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms have secured their first victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, defeating them 4-3 in a gripping shootout at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. This marks a pivotal moment, as the Penguins had previously bested the Phantoms in their first four encounters this season.
The urgency of this match heightened when the Penguins tied the game early in the third period with a goal from Rafael Harvey-Pinard, who had a standout performance with two goals. The Penguins initially took control with Harvey-Pinard’s sixth goal of the year, giving them a 1-0 lead after the first period. They extended their advantage to 2-0 just three minutes into the second period.
However, the Phantoms responded fiercely, scoring back-to-back goals to equalize the game at 2-2 by the end of the second period. Oscar Elkind then propelled the Phantoms into the lead for the first time with his inaugural goal of the season. The Penguins quickly countered, with David Breazeale leveling the score again, assisted by Chase Pietila and Harvey-Pinard.
As the game progressed to a shootout, the tension soared. Both Tucker Robertson and Cooper Marody scored for Lehigh Valley, while the Penguins faltered, missing both of their attempts. Joel Blomqvist was impressive in goal for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, stopping 35 of 38 shots fired at him.
The Penguins are now scheduled for two critical games this week, as they prepare to close out 2025 at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza against Charlotte on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.. Following that, they will face the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday at 7 p.m. This will be a key matchup for the Penguins, who currently hold a 2-2 record against Charlotte this season and will meet the Crunch for the first time.
The loss marks a significant shift in momentum for the Penguins, who will be eager to rebound quickly. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as the team seeks to regain its footing in the season. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
