The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are rolling along, with a 7-6-1 record.

After starting the season with an even 4-4 record, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are keeping pace in a loaded Atantic Division. They've fared largely the same over their last four games.

Battling familiar foes in the Hershey Bears, the Belleville Senators, and a pair of games against the Syracuse Crunch, the Baby Pens went 2-1-1 over their last week of games. The team sits at 7-6-1 and sit just two points back of a playoff spot. 

Gruden and Johnstone's Chemistry

Two of the handful of players to appear in all 12 games so far this season are forwards Jon Gruden and Mark Johnstone. The pair has formed a staple on the team's third line and the pair is showing a high level of familiarity already. 

It's no surprise this duo is clicking, as they play a similar game. They're fast, valuable penalty killers, and make their offensive living by working the puck behind the net and possessing. They each have three points in 12 games, but it's the complete game they bring that really sticks out.

Stat Leaders

The Baby Pens are continued to be led offensively by forward Sam Houde. He has eight points in nine games, and looks like he's taking a huge step forward this season. Tailing him is the dependable Alex Nylander, with seven points in only 10 games. Nylander is also the team's goal leader, with four tallies. 

On the back end, Ty Smith continues to stand out. Offensively he leads the attack and power play, he's racked up seven points, and appeared in every game so far. 

In net, blue chip prospect Joel Blomqvist is turning heads in his first full professional season. After getting a call to backup in the NHL due to an injury to Penguins' starter Tristan Jarry, Blomqvist returned to Wilkes-Barre looking like an NHL goaltender. He's allowed only 12 goals over his seven appearances in net, totes a 1.91 goals against average, a .920 save percentage, and sports a record of 4-2-1. 

Up Next

The Baby Pens have three games this week as attempt to gain ground in the division. The Hershey Bears (9-4-0) visit Wilkes-Barre for the teams' fourth matchup already, followed by back-to-back matchups with the Providence Bruins (6-4-1). 

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