The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins secured a dramatic overtime win against the Hershey Bears, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on lucky bounces. Despite being outplayed for much of the game, they scored crucial goals to clinch the victory.
Key points
Penguins won Game Three in overtime against Hershey Bears
Rutger McGroarty scored the game-winning goal
Team capitalized on lucky bounces to score crucial goals
Penguins were outplayed for most of the game
Resilience and teamwork were key to their victory
Wilkes-Barre Scranton PenguinsHershey BearsRutger McGroartyAvery Hayes
Video Player Cover
The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins' game-winning goal in overtime can be viewed as a lucky bounce. The puck was deflected from the point, bounced into the goal without hitting the netting, and bounced out. The goal to tie the game with three minutes left in the third period can be viewed as a lucky bounce as well, with an Avery Hayes shot hitting a Hershey Bearsâ skater and ending up in the back of the net.
But thatâs how teams score in the playoffs. Yes, itâs luck but they put themselves in spots to earn those lucky bounces. âGood teams find a way to win, and that was a big goal,â Rutger McGroarty noted after scoring the Game Three overtime winner. Sometimes, the key is putting the puck on the net for the deflections and loose pucks. Itâs not pretty, and it doesnât have to be in the playoffs.
The Penguins were outplayed for most of Game Three, and it looked like they would lose 3-2. They scored two quick goals in the first but three unanswered by the Bears had them controlling play and the momentum of the game heading into the final minutes of the third period. Yet, like most teams that succeed in the playoffs, the Penguins found a way to win when it mattered most.
The Bears are a heavy team, and itâs part of their identity down the stretch. The Penguins are a smaller and more skilled team that doesnât have the same physicality. It showed throughout Game Two, a game the Bears controlled and won 2-1, and most of Game Three. The Penguins couldnât win puck battles, and in the offensive zone, werenât getting to the net front and finding those dirty-area goals.
The Penguins adjusted and found ways to get into the shooting lanes, notably with their speed and ability to create space to open things up. âThereâs not a lot of time and space, so if you can beat the guy to the net and get an opportunity like that, you have to take advantage,â McGroarty mentioned in a conversation with . The Penguins were the faster team and won loose pucks by outskating the Bears. Itâs how Hayes tied up the game and how they found an edge in overtime.
Q&A
How did the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins win Game Three against the Hershey Bears?
The Penguins won Game Three by scoring two quick goals early and then an overtime winner, despite being outplayed for most of the match.
Who scored the game-winning goal for the Penguins in overtime?
Rutger McGroarty scored the game-winning goal for the Penguins in overtime during Game Three.
What key moments led to the Penguins' victory in Game Three?
Key moments included a tying goal with three minutes left in the third period and the overtime goal, both benefiting from fortunate bounces.
What does the Penguins' playoff performance indicate about their team dynamics?
The Penguins' ability to find ways to win, even when outplayed, indicates strong team dynamics and resilience in high-pressure situations.
Related Articles
Sports
2026 Cocodona 250: Medical emergency results in runner's death during ultramarathon
Tragic death of a runner during the 2026 Cocodona 250 ultramarathon.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Cricket·Feature
Sanju Samson not in peak physical condition, says Sanjay Manjrekar; Cites Virat Kohli example
Sanjay Manjrekar advises Sanju Samson on fitness, citing Kohli's example.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Austin Reaves' struggles compound Lakers' uphill battle vs Thunder in NBA Playoffs
Austin Reaves' missed shot adds to Lakers' struggles vs Thunder in playoffs.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Golf·Feature
Meet the 15 golfers on the 2026 Haskins Award Postseason Watch List
Check out the 15 golfers nominated for the 2026 Haskins Award!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Feature
Could New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart flirt with 4,000 yards in 2026?
Is Jaxson Dart on track to throw for 4,000 yards in 2026?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Recap
NFL player Stefon Diggs found not guilty of attacking personal chef
NFL player Stefon Diggs found not guilty of attacking his chef
This team had a distinct identity all season. It was winning games with goaltending and using their aggressive defense to set up rush chances for the offense. In the playoffs, those rush chances arenât available, and the Penguins had to pivot by creating opportunities in the offensive zone. âYou gotta get goals that way, thatâs playoff hockey sometimes. It doesnât matter how you score,â Tristan Broz added after a three-assist game to fuel the 4-3 victory.
Line Shuffling Was What They Needed
The Penguins had line combinations that worked for them all season and were particularly tough to stop down the stretch. However, the Bears matched up well with their lines, and it showed after Game Two, a game where the top six were nonexistent, and the team only scored one goal.
An adjustment was needed, and Penguinsâ head coach Kirk MacDonald moved Rutger McGroarty to the Gabe Klassen and Hayes line. It gave the Penguins enough skill and stability to score two of their four goals in the victory.
Broz, who typically centered a line with McGroarty on it, had Ville Koivunen and Mikhail Ilyin on his wings instead. It allowed Broz to find three assists in the game, including a centering pass to Ilyin for his first goal at the American Hockey League level. The Penguins just needed to change things up, and with the season on the line, they had the right combinations to generate offense. Now, they have the Bears with their backs to the wall and a group that is confident they can find offense regardless of how the lines look.
Murashov Gives The Penguins a Chance Every Night
The advantage the Penguins have in this series is in the net. Sergei Murashov is one of the best goaltenders in the AHL and arguably the best goaltending prospect in the league. Whether itâs putting together a lights-out performance or keeping the team in the game, his play always gives the Penguins a chance to win. âHe just shut it down, which he had to do,â Broz stated after the win.
This series has seen him put together some of his best performances yet. His 31-save performance in Game One fueled the 4-2 victory while his 26 saves on 28 shots kept the Penguins in a 2-1 loss. Then, in Game Three, he shut down the Bears in the third period to keep the game 3-2 and allow the team to complete the comeback.
Murashov has been great all season, and on the biggest stage, when the pressure is highest, he elevates his play. âHeâs one of those guys whoâs elevated his game and will elevate his game; heâs done that most of his life,â Broz added after the win, and it gives the Penguins an edge, not just in this series but any series in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Why This Penguins Team is Set up for a Run
The Penguins continue to find ways to win, even when they are outplayed. In the playoffs, itâs about making the adjustments to win in multiple ways, and a skill-based team is still in control of a physical series.
They are only one win away from the Atlantic Division Final. With a 2-1 series lead and the way theyâve overcome battles in this series, itâs hard to see them losing. The Bears are a good team with arguably the best top line in the playoffs. Yet, the Penguins have the edge and are proving why they can make a deep playoff run.
