AHL Playoffs: Rutger McGroarty’s OT goal wins WBS a crucial Game 3

The Wilkes-Barre Penguins won a pivotal Game 3 in their best-of-five series against Hershey last night. Rutger McGroarty came up huge by redirecting a goal in overtime to send WBS up 2 games to 1 over the Bears with a huge road win.

Rutger McGroarty wins it in OT!!! pic.twitter.com/OHIQaRETUn

— PenguinsSystem (@PensSystem) May 6, 2026

There were a lot of important and encouraging names for Pittsburgh all over this game. Avery Hayes tied the game with just 2:53 to play in the third period to send the game to overtime. Hayes also hit a post earlier and had nearly scored from the front of the net, nearly tying it up before later succeeding. Hayes’ six shots on goal was tops among all players on either team.

GOAL. Avery Hayes ties Game 3 with 2:53 left in regulation.

With Sergei Murashov off for the extra attacker, #WBSPens score 6-on-5 to tie this one up at 3-3.@InsideAHLHockeypic.twitter.com/b23zLfVtYg

— Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) May 6, 2026

Tristan Broz came up huge, as has been his calling card from scoring a NCAA championship OT goal, by producing three assists on the night. Ville Koivunen chipped in two helpers in the win as well.

Harrison Brunicke had another active night with an assist, three shots and a close call for a goal after activating in the offensive zone.

Nice move at the offensive blue line by Harrison Brunicke, and he takes it to the net before hitting the short side post in the final minute of the 2nd period.