Penguins AHL Squad Eyeing Postseason Run
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are gearing up for the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs.
PITTSBURGH -- Playoff hockey might not be in the cards for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but their American Hockey League affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are loading up for their own postseason run. With just 10 regular season games remaining, the Baby Pens are firmly in a playoff position and should clinch their spot in short order. They are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division, fighting for a home-ice advantage in their first-round matchup.
It's an exciting time for the Penguins organization. With exciting prospects finally playing for the team and an exciting squad overall, Pittsburgh's minor league affiliate is trending in the right direction. Led by some players who will hopefully be suiting up for the NHL Penguins next season, here's what to keep an eye on as their regular season winds down.
Forward Depth Propelling Penguins
The biggest strength of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team is their group of forwards. It's a genuine mixed bag of players: veterans with NHL experience, youngsters earning their stripes, and a few hard-nosed career AHL players. They have depth and balance throughout the lineup, and it's a huge component of this team's success.
Standing out amongst the crowd is 2019 first-round draft pick Sam Poulin. Injuries have been a thorn in his side, but when healthy he looks every bit the part of a soon-to-be NHL player. Poulin has been on a tear in March, with eight points in nine games.
It's not just his goals or playmaking that has improved; it's his entire offensive game. He has an even 13 goals and assists for 26 points in 35 games. A long playoff run would pay dividends for the forward's long-term development. And if he keeps playing as well as he is, Wilkes-Barre could be doing just that.
Reinforcements up the middle have arrived in Vasily Ponomarev as well. With Poulin and Ponomarev, the Baby Pens have one of the most dynamic one-two punches at center in the AHL. The Penguins' newest prospect is still getting his footing with the organization, but his skill and IQ are noticeable already. With the Chicago Wolves this season, he put up 29 points in 39 games.
Since arriving in Wilkes-Barre, he has just a lone goal in four games. The goal he scored, however, was indicative of the game he can bring the NHL sooner rather than later. After working hard to get position on the defender, he redirected a point shot behind the goalie.
The points will keep coming as Ponomarev establishes himself with the team. And he should have just enough time to get comfortable before the playoff push begins.
Blomqvist's Impressive Season
While the forward depth is impressive in Wilkes-Barre, it pales in comparison to the season their rookie goaltender is having. Joel Blomqvist has made the transition from Europe to North America look easy, taking the Pens and the AHL by storm. He's come over to Wilkes-Barre and been an absolute workhorse.
In 38 appearances, Blomqvist has posted a 20-10-6 record. He has the third lowest goals against average in the AHL at 2.16 and his 20 wins rank ninth. He's not only been the most impressive rookie goaltender in the AHL, you can easily make the argument that he has been the most impressive goaltender in the AHL period.
In order for the Baby Pens to make any noise in the playoffs, Blomqvist's regular season excellence must translate into his first postseason in Wilkes-Barre. He has the skillset, determination, and track record this season to be confident his success will translate, but the pressure and intensities of playoff hockey is a whole different animal. However the season does end, the organization has to be thrilled with the maturation and of Blomqvist's progress.
Over the final weeks of their regular season, Wilkes-Barre will battle all of the teams in their division they are jostling for position with. If they can pull out some victories over the likes of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Charlotte Checkers, and Hershey Bears, they will be in a prime position to go on an exciting playoff run.
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