‘It Takes Time,’ Scouting Penguins Prospects in WBS; Stock Up, Stock Down (+)

WILKES BARRE, Pa — The Pittsburgh Penguins have stocked their farm system with more talented and competent players than they’ve iced in a decade. Unfortunately, Wednesday night was not a banner night for the prospects and those fighting their way to the NHL.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were embarrassed at home by the defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears 6-1 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as WBS allowed two goals in the final minute of the first period and another in the final seconds of the second period. In front of about 1000 fans (2521 was the official gate), several Penguins prospects tried to flash their skill, but Hershey is the closest thing to an NHL team in the AHL.

Poor Joel Blomqvist was replaced at the start of the third period by Filip Larsson. It was more merciful than punishment.

The heavy competition provided plenty of fodder for our analysis. Pittsburgh Hockey Now made the trip to Wilkes-Barre to scout in-person and will attend the WBS Penguins practice on Thursday, too.

We came to scout Rutger McGroarty, and there is a full scouting report and status details below. We also ended up getting an eyeful of one prospect who looks very close to making the leap and one who is clearly working to change his game to get back to the NHL.