Minor league report: With Tristan Broz sidelined, Penguins beat Thunderbirds

Seth Rorabaugh TribLive Mon, Jan 19, 2026 • 08:49 PM

Springfield Thunderbirds defenseman Theo Lindstein and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Avery Hayes battle for position during a game at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. on Monday. The Penguins won, 3-2. (Lucas Armstrong | Springfield Thunderbirds)

A goal and an assist by forward Valtteri Puustinen led the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to a 3-2 win against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. on Monday.

Linemate Atley Calvert recorded two assists for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (26-11-1-2) while forward Gabe Klassen and Chase Pietila each scored goals. For Pietila, it was his first career goal at the American Hockey League level.

Goaltender Sergei Murashov made 25 saves on 27 shots, improving his record to 14-5-0.

Highlights:

While Penguins All-Star forward Tristan Broz was scratched due to an undisclosed injury according to a team spokesperson, forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty rejoined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s lineup.

Hayes returned to action after missing the past nine games due to an unspecified head injury, while McGroarty was back in the lineup after being assigned from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next game is a home contest against the Belleville Senators on Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.