Minor league report: Jesse Puljujarvi debuts for Penguins in win

Seth Rorabaugh | Friday, January 5, 2024 10:43 p.m.

Springfield Thunderbirds

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Jesse Puljujarvi partcipates in warm-ups prior to a 2-1 road win against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. on Friday. Puljujarvi made his debut for the team after signing a professional tryout contract on Thursday.

Forward Jesse Puljujarvi made his debut for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 2-1 road win against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., on Friday.

Signed to a professional tryout contract Thursday, Puljujarvi opened the contest on the top line and was held without a point on three shots. The fourth overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, Puljujarvi has been working out on a tryout basis with the Pittsburgh Penguins over the past month.

Goaltender Joel Blomqvist made 35 saves on 36 saves in the victory, improving his record to 10-4-2. Forwards Peter Abbandonato and Vinnie Hinostroza scored for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (17-12-3-0).

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is a home contest against the rival Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, 6:05 p.m.

Goaltender Taylor Gauthier made 36 saves on 40 shots in a 4-1 road loss to the Orlando Solar Bears at the Kia Center in Orlando, Fla.

The result dropped Gauthier’s record to 9-6-0. Forward Matt Koopman scored the lone goal for Wheeling (15-11-1-1).

Highlights:

The Nailers’ next game is a road contest against the Solar Bears on Saturday, 7 p.m.

Follow the Penguins all season long.