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WILKES-BARRE — There are a lot of players responsible for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins two-game win streak.

Barry Goers has two goals and three assists during the streak, Derrick Pouliot has a goal and three assists and Kevin Porter registered a goal and two assists.

But Jarrett Burton has claimed the game-winning tally in both wins, providing the Penguins with depth and a multi-faceted player as the roster becomes depleted due to call-ups and injuries.

Burton’s key is his penalty killing, but he said his offensive contributions balance out his game. Since being recalled from Wheeling in early February, Burton has three goals and five points in 12 games, which isn’t bad for a player skating mainly on the third or fourth line.

“Obviously the penalty kill is big, but being able to contribute offensively is a big part of the game as well,” Burton said after Sunday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex. “It’s important to make sure I’m doing the details that have gotten me here so far, but I want to continue contributing on both areas.”

Burton’s game-winner on Saturday against Providence came after Patrick McGrath stole the puck and ripped a shot on net. Bruins netminder Zane McIntyre made the save but the puck bounced off his pads and right to Burton who was skating down the other side.

Burton said the pass-off-the-pads play is something he and McGrath work on together in practice.

“If you have a tough angle shot make sure you go far pads. We’ve been practicing that all year,” Burton said. “I had a feeling he was going to try and do that.”

Burton’s defensive play and recent contributions on offense have earned the trust of head coach Clark Donatelli, who isn’t afraid to give him crucial ice time late in a game.

“He plays consistently at this level,” Donatelli said. “The more we give him, he’s making the most of it.

“He’s an honest player. We have confidence in him.”

Burton has spent most of his three years as a pro in Wheeling but hopes his opportunity with the Penguins continues to expand into the playoffs.

And with the roster already at the minimum due to player movement, Burton is happy to provide depth wherever it’s needed.

“You always wait for your opportunity to show the coaching staff you’re ready to contribute,” Burton said. “It’s a big thing for our team to have everyone step into different roles.”

Archibald up

Pittsburgh recalled winger Josh Archibald on Sunday. The move isn’t a surprise as Archibald has been playing well on a line with Dominik Simon and Teddy Blueger.

“There are a lot of guys here that deserve to go up, and Archie is one of them,” Donatelli said. “When he went up last time he played extremely well. He came back down here and worked hard, so it’s well-deserved.”

Archibald’s departure leaves a big void on a line that Donatelli has leaned on heavily. He indicated the replacement on the line will be someone with speed, like Archibald.

“We’re excited for Archie, but for us it’s back to business and we need to find a right wing,” Donatelli said.

Staying put, for now

With Archibald gone the Penguins have 12 forwards and eight defensmen, a figure that Donatelli will likely remain unchanged for the time being as the team doesn’t play again until Friday.

Over the boards

McGrath received a game misconduct on Saturday in the first period after he left the bench to fight Bruins winger Tyler Randell. McGrath said he entered the ice during a line change.

“There was a cluster of guys coming to change. I was yelling to change and I went over,” he said. “We just have to wait and see what (the AHL) says now.”

McGrath was disappointed to see his night end early after he registered an assist and a fight.

“I was ready to go for the Gordie Howe. Right on the verge and two periods to get it done,” McGrath said. “I was feeling good and right from the start we were going.”

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By Tom Venesky

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Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TomVenesky