Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Sam Poulin appeared in his first game in over four months Friday as his team was defeated, 3-1, by the Providence Bruins at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, R.I.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ first-round pick (No. 21 overall) in 2019, Poulin was in the Penguins’ lineup for the first time since Dec. 4. Three days later, Poulin announced he was taking a leave of absence to attend to an undspecified personal matter.

By March 15, Poulin rejoined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and revealed he needed to address his mental health.

Opening Friday’s contest as the team’s second-line center, Poulin did not record a point but had three shots on net.

Goaltender Dustin Tokarski made 22 saves on 24 shots for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (25-30-7-6), which has lost seven consecutive games. Forward Jami Krannila scored the Penguins’ lone goal.

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is a road contest against the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday, 7 p.m.

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Forwards Keltie Jeri-Leon and Brookly Kalmikov each scored two goals for the Wheeling Nailers in a 6-2 home win against the Iowa Heartlanders at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, W.Va.

Defenseman Chris Ortiz and forward Tanner Laderoute each recorded two assists for Wheeling (26-36-5-0), which snapped a four-game losing streak. Goaltender Brad Barone made 29 saves on 31 shots in the victory.

Highlights:

The Nailers’ next game is a home contest against the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday, 7:10 p.m.

Follow the Penguins all season long.

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