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WILKES-BARRE — Now that the final break of the season is out of the way with the recently concluded hiatus for the all-star game, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are looking forward to a stretch run that, unlike previous years, is extremely critical.
Do or die, even.
The Penguins currently sit in the sixth spot in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the Providence Bruins for the fourth and final playoff spot. They have a little more than two months to extend the franchise’s postseason streak to 17 seasons, yet there’s no panic in the room.
Just some desperation.
And excitement, according to veteran defenseman Chris Summers.
“It’s fun having to play for something. When you’re too far out of it or way up there, you kind of lose where you need to be,” he said. “I think we’re getting on the right path.”
As the Penguins embark on the final stretch of the season, they’ll have to fight for a playoff spot without leading scorer Teddy Blueger for the time being. Blueger, who leads the team with 21 goals, was called up to Pittsburgh earlier this week.
Blueger’s absence leaves a departure on many fronts. He played on the power play, penalty kill and four-on-four situations and was crucial in the faceoff circle.
“It’s tough,” said head coach Clark Donatelli. “Teddy’s a big part of the team. Collectively, we’re going to have to fill the holes. Some of the guys can play better in the second half, and it’s an opportunity for guys to get their games going.”
And an opportunity for the Penguins to move themselves into familiar territory – back into the playoffs.
“It’s a little bit different,” said forward Jean-Sebastien Dea. “The last couple of years I think we were first or second all year and clinched a playoff spot in January. This year is going to be a little bit different, but we have a great group here. I’m not worried about this team.”
But Dea is worried about the Penguins record at home. With a record of 9-11-1-0 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, the 19 points the Penguins have earned at home are among the lowest totals in the league.
They’ll have two opportunities to correct that this weekend when the Penguins host Cleveland on Friday followed by Bridgeport on Saturday.
“I think our fans deserve a lot better,” Dea said. “It’s going to be good for us to come back strong at home.”
And all the while, the Penguins will be keeping a close eye on the standings as they try to battle back into the postseason.
“Our division is tight. We’re constantly looking at it,” Donatelli said. “We have to be more consistent and take care of our home record.”
