Murashov, Puustinen Lift Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Over Springfield Despite Zherenko 45 Saves

Sergei Murashov delivered the backbone of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's road victory in Springfield, while Valtteri Puustinen provided the timely offense that tilted the game in the Penguins' favor. Springfield opened the scoring early, but the visitors answered and seized control in the middle frame, leaving the Thunderbirds searching for answers as their skid hit five games.

The game, played on January 19, 2026, unfolded as a classic AHL tug of war. Springfield struck first in the opening period, injecting early energy into a home crowd eager for a spark. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton evened the score before the first intermission and used the second period to build a lead through opportunistic finishing. Puustinen finished the night with a goal and an assist, and Gabe Klassen added a goal to help manufacture separation for the Penguins.

In the third period Springfield staged a comeback push, with veteran Matthew Peca chipping in a goal that made the final minutes tense. Vadim Zherenko entered in relief and repelled wave after wave of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton chances, compiling a 45-save outing that kept the Thunderbirds within striking distance. Despite Zherenko’s heavy workload, Murashov’s timely saves and steady positioning preserved the visitors' lead and ultimately the win.

Special teams and momentum swings were decisive at key moments, and both clubs traded physical and tactical adjustments as coaches searched for an edge. Discipline and puck management in transition tilted in the Penguins' favor, allowing them to sustain pressure and create the higher-quality chances that determined the outcome. Springfield’s defense leaned on Zherenko late, but sustained offensive zone time proved elusive enough that even an exceptional goaltending night couldn’t produce two points.

From a broader perspective this game highlights enduring AHL narratives: the league’s role as a proving ground for goaltenders and scorers, and how single performances can alter trajectories for players and clubs. Murashov’s composure on the road will boost Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s goaltending depth profile, while Puustinen’s multi-point night reinforces the value of reliable scoring options in tight Pacific Division races. For Springfield, the fifth straight loss raises questions about consistency and how quickly a franchise can recalibrate to protect home ice and keep fans engaged.

Looking ahead, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will take this win as momentum to build on, while Springfield must find answers to halt the slide and restore confidence. For fans and the local hockey community, the immediate storyline is clear: goaltending can steal a night, but it takes collective execution to turn strong individual performances into sustained success.