with files from Patrick Williams
The latest chapter in the AHL’s long-running rivalry gets underway on Day 10 of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Hershey get their Atlantic Division semifinal series underway at Mohegan Arena tonight (7:05 ET, 
) for 329 games all-time between the clubs, regular season and playoffs combined.
The rivalry, which began on October 2, 1999, now includes nine meetings in the Calder Cup Playoffs; Only Hershey and the original Cleveland Barons (12) have had more postseason appearances in AHL history. The Penguins and Bears have each won four of the previous eight series, the most recent being a first-round win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2022.
The Penguins went 9-1-1-0 in their last 11 regular season games and became one of three AHL teams to score 100 points. And while they were still waiting for the identity of their first playoff player, Hershey was passing Bridgeport in a two-game sweep in the first round.
“Last week we were working on staying sharp and keeping the conditioning levels where they needed to be,” said the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach. Kirk MacDonald said after practice on Tuesday. “Today you can see that the boys have been called and are ready to go.”
The Pens won seven of their first eight games this season before the Bears went to Wilkes-Barre and left with a win on Mar. 13 and April 15. Hershey’s dynamic rookie duo Ilya Protas again Andrew Cristall combined for 19 points in 10 games against the Penguins; Pens forward Rutger McGroarty scored 10 points in five games vs. Bears, period Avery Hayes scored seven goals in seven games in the season series.
“There are no real secrets right now,” added MacDonald. “We know each other and we are happy to follow you.
Texas hosts Chicago in Game 2 of the Central Division semifinals tonight (8 ET, ), the final game at Cedar Park before the best-of-five series is concluded in three games in Rosemont, Ill.
The Stars’ 2-0 win in Tuesday’s opener was Texas’ first win at the HEB Center since March 2, 2025 (against Chicago). It was also the Wolves’ first shutout loss of the season. Artem Shlain scored a power-play goal 1:53 into the third period to tie the deficit, then hit an empty-netter with 19.1 seconds left.
Shlaine’s 19 goals in the regular season tied for eighth among AHL players.
Rémi Poirier made 16 saves in his third career Calder Cup Playoff shutout, season Cameron Hughes assisted on both Stars goals to move into 12th place on the AHL’s all-time list with 52 postseason assists.
“I liked our game. Everyone was ready to jump,” said the Stars forward Cross Hanasa fourth-year pro who made his postseason debut Tuesday.
Chicago is 8-11 in Calder Cup Playoff series after losing Game 1. The Wolves’ most recent series comeback came in the 2022 Calder Cup final when they dropped the opener to Springfield before going on a four-game winning streak.
