Defenseman Matt Dumba recorded his first career hat trick as a professional as well as an assist for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 6-5 win against the rival Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the PPL Center in Allentown on Friday.
In his past four games, Dumba has erupted offensively, posting 11 points (four goals, seven assists). After the Pittsburgh Penguins assigned him to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Dec. 13, he generated only five points (one goal, four assists) in his first 15 games with the American Hockey League affiliate.
Penguins forward Tristan Broz rejoined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s lineup after missing the previous seven games due to an undisclosed injury and collected three assists, while linemate Ville Koivunen contributed a goal and an assist.
Making his AHL debut, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Melvin Fernstrom opened the contest on the left wing of the top line and recorded two assists.
Defenseman Alex Alexeyev returned to the Penguins’ lineup after missing 22 games due to an unspecified ailment. Opening play on the left side of the top pair, he generated four shots.
Goaltender Joel Blomqvist made 36 saves on 41 shots, improving his record to 8-4-3.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (31-12-2-2) extended a winning streak to four games.
Highlights:
The Penguins’ next game is a road contest against the Hershey Bears on Saturday, 7 p.m.
Forwards Matty De St. Phalle and Logan Pietilla each scored regulation goals for the Wheeling Nailers in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Indy Fuel at Wes Banco Arena.
Forward Zach Urdahl scored the lone shootout goal on three attempts for Wheeling (27-12-2-2), which has lost six of its past seven games (1-3-1-2)
Goaltender Taylor Gauthier made 29 saves on 31 shots in regulation and overtime as his record slipped to 8-4-3. He allowed two goals on three attempts in the shootout.
Highlights:
The Nailers’ next game is a home contest against the Cincinnati Cyclones on Saturday, 7:10 p.m.
