Yikes. No sooner do I take my favorite pup, Zeusie, out for our noon-time constitutional, then things start to unravel for our Penguins.
Forwards Rickard Rakell (lower-body injury) and Blake Lizotte (expecting the birth of a child) are definitely out for tonight’s important clash with the Sabres. Battling an illness, Noel Acciari may miss the game as well.
In response, the Pens summoned Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The plucky 23-year-old right wing is second on the Baby Pens with 13 goals in 31 games. This on the heels of a 23-goal campaign (in 60 games) at Wilkes last season. If he plays, the 5’10” 180-pounder will be making his NHL debut.
Rutger McGroarty, who showed well in recent outings while Bryan Rust was serving a suspension (an assist and a plus-3) will likely be pressed into service. Perhaps veteran Kevin Hayes (no relation to Avery) if Acciari is a no-go.
It goes without saying the absences could have a particularly negative effect on our penalty killing and defensive play. Not exactly a welcome development when facing the high-powered Sabres, the league’s top-scoring team (along with the Pens) since Christmas.
Rick
It was truly special to see Avery Hayes score not only his first NHL goal, but to follow it up with a second—especially with his family in attendance. Moments like that are a great reminder of what sports are all about.
And credit to the Penguins as a whole. Competing on the road without Letang , Acciari, Rakell, and Lizotte, and doing so against one of the hottest teams in the league, speaks volumes about this team. The younger players, in particular, continue to elevate their games and rise to the challenge, which is an encouraging sign moving forward.