2026 Calder Cup Playoffs: Atlantic Division Semi-finals Game 4

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are advancing in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs after a 4-1 win against the Hershey Bears. The series wrapped up Thursday night after the Pens took both games on the road, winning the series 3-1.

The Penguins took control early, scoring only 75 seconds into the contest when Tanner Howe feeds Joona Koppanen the puck, allowing him to put a backhand shot over Clay Stevenson’s blocker.

The Bears tied the game on the power play when Ivan Miroshnichenko sent one across the goal line. Miroshnichenko scored in both games for the Bears.

A fast-paced, second period put the Penguins back in front after a shorthanded goal from Harrison Brunicke, assisted by Gabe Klassen at the 6:20 mark.

The third period saw the Penguins kill off four penalties, but Sergei Murashov was a brick wall in the crease. Ville Koivunen extended the Penguins’ lead to 3-1 after the first penalty kill of the period concluded.

Hershey pulled Stevenson for the extra attacker late in the third period while being on their sixth power play of the night. Gabe Klassen rocketed the puck down the ice at the 19:29 mark, scoring the empty-netter and sealing the win.

Murashov posted a career playoff-high of 37 shots saved and finished the four-game series with a .937 save percentage and a 1.99 goals-against average. In the loss, Stevenson stopped 26 of 29 shots faced and ended the series with a .896 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average.

The Penguins will now face off against the Springfield Thunderbirds in the Atlantic Division Finals in a best-of-five series beginning May 12 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

Lexis Woodard / Olde City Sports Network
Photos Credit / Jake Law / Olde City Sports Network