2026 Calder Cup Playoffs: Game 5, Springfield - 1 at W-B/Scranton - 8 (5/23/26)
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Written by: Tony Androckitis
@TonyAndrock on Twitter/X
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014 following a commanding 8-1 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds Saturday night in a winner-take-all Game 5 that had both teams entering the night with their season on the line.
The Penguins jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period and never looked back, led by a four-point performance by Tristan Broz (two goals, two assists) who had a downright dominant opening period with a pair of goals and an assist to help lead his team to a big win.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard scored twice in his return to the Penguins lineup, while Ville Koivunen added three points (two goals, assist).
Atley Calvert and Harrison Brunicke also scored goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the win, who got 26 saves by Sergei Murashov.
The Penguins will face the winner of Sunday's Game 5 between Cleveland and Toronto in the Eastern Conference Finals.