The Penguins’ top line didn’t miss a beat without Rickard Rakell, as they dispatched St. Louis last night. Paul Steigerwald has the story.
In addition Bryan Rust’s two goals, the Pens got goals from Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Anthony Mantha and Parker Wotherspoon.
With a three-point night, Crosby not only got career point number 1,700, he passed Mario Lemieux for career multi-point games in Penguins history, with 498. Lemieux is currently eighth in NHL history in all-time points, with 1,723.
Many of Crosby’s points have been assists on Rust’s goals. Coach Dan Muse says Rust is playing at the top of his game.
The Penguins put Rakell on injured reserve after he had surgery on his left hand, which was injured Saturday against Columbus. He’ll be out six to eight weeks. Muse liked the way Filip Hallander stepped in for Rakell.
After collecting his 1,700th career point, Crosby was his typically humble self, recalling his earliest days in Pittsburgh.
Forward Kevin Hayes skated with no contact restrictions in the morning skate, although there was no contact. Muse said it was a good next step for Hayes, who suffered an apparent shoulder injury on the first day of training camp.
The Penguins will play their third game in four nights tonight against the Flyers in Philadelphia. With Rakell being placed on injured reserve, they have a roster spot open if they wish to recall another player from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Airtime tonight on 92.5 FM U92 is 5 PM, with faceoff shortly after 6.
FAN SERIOUSLY INJURED
In the first period, a fan fell from the upper level at PPG Paints Arena, striking another fan in the suite level below, then continuing his fall all the way to the lower bowl. He was reported to be unconscious and bleeding and was taken to a hospital with apparent life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses said the injured man was trying to step between rows when he tripped.
