WBS Penguins vs Springfield Thunderbirds 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins took Game 1 of the Atlantic Division Finals with a 2-0 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds on Tuesday night at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. The victory was fueled by strong performances from Penguins rookies Bill Zonnon, Tanner Howe, and goaltender Sergei Murashov.

After a scoreless opening period that featured strong defensive play from both sides, the Penguins broke through in the second period when rookie forward Bill Zonnon scored his first American Hockey League goal in his first AHL game. Zonnon joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after completing his season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL.

The goal gave the Penguins momentum midway through the contest and energized the crowd at Mohegan Arena. Springfield attempted to answer with several quality scoring chances, but Murashov stood tall in net, continuing his strong postseason run.

Tanner Howe extended the Penguins lead by two on a top-shelf breakaway shot at 7:19 of the third period. Following Howe’s goal the Penguins allowed Springfield to only attempt five shots.

Sergei Murashov would post his first AHL playoff shutout stopping all 24 shots faced. In the loss Thunderbirds goalie Georgii Romanov would end the night with a .920 save

percentage and a 2.03 goals-against while saving 23 of 25 shots faced.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series will be played at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza on Thursday May 14th with a 7:05 puck drop.

Lexis Woodard / Olde City Sports Network
Photos Credit / Melissa Molyneux / Olde City Sports Network