Avery Hayes put on quite a show in his NHL debut on Thursday, a two-goal performance in the Penguins’ win in Buffalo … and in his return to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s lineup on Saturday, he capped off a hat trick with an overtime-winner in Wilkes-Barre’s 4-3 win over the Bears.
Rutger McGroarty set up both of Hayes’ first two goals, the first of which came on the power play and the second was shorthanded. Hayes’ overtime goal was another power play tally, and his 16th AHL goal of the year.
• Melvin Fernstrom scored the other goal, his first in the AHL. It was his second game in Wilkes-Barre since the Penguins brought him over from Sweden. He had two assists in his debut.
• Ville Koivunen had a pair of assists. Matt Dumba had one assist to extend his point streak to five games. Dumba has four goals and eight assists in those last five games.
• Tanner Howe didn’t play in this game, but it was a planned absence as he eases into the pro game after his lengthy recovery from ACL surgery.
• Sergei Murashov stopped 20 of 23 shots.