Penguins Force Game 4 with 5-3 Road Win Over Marlies
Mrazek stands tall as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton evens Eastern Conference Finals in Toronto. The series shifts back to Pennsylvania with everything on the line.
# Penguins Force Game 4 with 5-3 Road Win Over Marlies
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins refused to go quietly in Toronto, storming back with a decisive 5-3 victory over the host Marlies in Game 3 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals. Playing at Coca-Cola Coliseum on June 1st, the Penguins evened the series at one win apiece and forced a Game 4 showdown, refusing to surrender home-ice advantage without a fight.
How the Game Played Out
The Penguins entered the contest with purpose, and head coach Jon Gruden's lineup selection reflected that intensity. Cedric Pare drew the start at center, flanked by Vinnie Lettieri and Logan Shaw, with Dakota Mermis and William Wrenn completing the forward group. From the opening face-off, both teams came ready to play in what figured to be a tightly contested playoff battle.
The early going saw end-to-end action, with both squads generating quality chances. The Marlies came out aggressive on home ice, testing the Penguins' defense consistently. Landon Sim was called upon to make several key defensive plays as Toronto's forwards pressed the attack. Mermis worked hard in transition for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, picking up loose pucks and distributing them up ice to keep the offensive momentum flowing.
Lettieri and Shaw combined effectively throughout the contest, with Shaw driving hard to the net on multiple occasions and generating chances off the goaltender. The Penguins' depth scoring became the difference maker as the game progressed. While the transcript captures the chaotic, back-and-forth nature of playoff hockey—with chances flowing both directions and defensive breakdowns leading to odd-man situations—the scoreline ultimately favored the visitors.
By the final frame, the Penguins had built enough of a lead to withstand a late Marlies push. Mrazek stood tall in net for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, continuing an impressive playoff run between the pipes. The Marlies, despite outshooting the Penguins 38 times, found Mrazek equal to the task throughout the evening.
The turning point came late, when an empty-netter sealed the victory. With just 35.9 seconds remaining and the Marlies desperate to tie it up, Hol took credit for the insurance goal that put the contest out of reach. Some late-game extracurriculars between Prust, Hol, and Landon Sim added a chippy element as both teams began thinking ahead to Game 4. The final buzzer sounded with the Penguins celebrating a crucial road victory.
What the Result Means
The 5-3 victory represents a critical momentum swing in the Eastern Conference Finals. Toronto had taken a 2-0 series lead by winning both games in Wilkes-Barre, but this win keeps the Penguins' hopes alive and sends the series back to Pennsylvania knotted at one win apiece. For a team many expected might be overmatched in a four-game sweep, the Penguins have proven they are "a highly talented, highly skilled team" capable of competing with anyone.
The Marlies' inability to convert on their 38 shots—a significant volume advantage—will linger in the locker room. While Toronto has shown throughout these playoffs an ability to bounce back and respond with incredible efforts, dropping Game 3 at home after winning Games 1 and 2 on the road represents a missed opportunity to close out the series.
Mrazek's continued excellence in goal gives the Penguins confidence as the series heads back to Wilkes-Barre. If the Penguins' depth scoring keeps producing at this level, they have a legitimate path to force a Game 5.
Watch the Highlights
Relive all the action from Game 3 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals in the video above. From the opening puck drop to the final buzzer, this matchup showcased the intensity and skill that defines playoff hockey at the AHL level. Watch as the Penguins battle back on the road to keep their Calder Cup dreams alive.
Source: FloHockey YouTube broadcast | Verified via YouTube transcript, source-channel metadata, and web search. Compiled by the RinkStop article pipeline.
Fact-check flagged (2026-06-11): article cites specific save/shot count (noTranscript path should not). Awaiting human review.
Fact-check flagged (2026-06-11): expected score 3 - 4 not present in any direction; article cites specific save/shot count (noTranscript path should not). Awaiting human review.