WILKES-BARRE – April has its saying: “April showers bring May flowers.” However, when it comes to hockey, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have us saying, “April showers bring Penguins playoffs.”
On March 20th, 2026, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins won their match-up against the Belleville Senators, 2-1, clinching their spot in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, which secures their appearance in the post-season.
Not only had the WBS Penguins clinched a playoff spot, but they also were on a 6-game winning streak after the conclusion of their 6-2 takeover of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, April 4th. Within the first four minutes, the Penguins tallied up a total of three goals, two of which were scored by right wing Aaron Huglen.
Huglen’s two-goal period immediately put him right in the center of Penguins hat trick watch. Just seven minutes into the second period, Huglen buried his third goal of the night, securing his first-ever career AHL hat trick.
It didn’t stop with Huglen. Not long after, Penguins’ right wing Atley Calvert sunk a shot right to the back of the net of Aleksei Kolosov while on a power play. His goal was assisted by Sebastian Aho and Ville Koivunen, making this Koivunen’s second assist of the night.
Closing out the night came Rutger McGroarty with a heavy shot on Kolosov, which did in fact make it to the back of the net, leading the WBS Penguins to the victory.
Unfortunately, that winning streak came to an end after an overtime loss against the Bridgeport Islanders on April 9th.
With playoffs just around the corner, I took a trip to the Toyota Sportsplex on Coal Street to watch and take photos of the Penguins’ practice in preparation to their final away game against the Bridgeport Islanders at Total Mortgage Arena on Thursday, April 9th.
Following their game on the 9th, the WBS Penguins have four home games to finish out their season right here at Mohegan Arena. This past Saturday, the WBS Penguins became the Steamtown Gandy Dancers for one night only in honor of their Community Night Series in collaboration with Visit Luzerne County, in which they took home the win against the Cleveland Monsters (4-1).
The next three home games are this week, beginning with this Wednesday, April 15th, at 7:05 P.M. against the Hershey Bears. Following this Wednesday’s game, the Penguins also have a game this Friday, April 17th, at 7:05 P.M. against the Bridgeport Islanders, as well as a game on Saturday, April 18th, at 6:05 P.M. against the Rochester Americans. This game is highlighted as the final game of the regular season in addition to Fan Appreciation Night.
That’s all for the regular season, playoffs here we come! Let’s Go Pens!
