The Penguins’ home opener is tonight against the New York Islanders and there is at least a chance that Bryan Rust could play. Rust was a full practice participant yesterday in Cranberry, but his status for tonight’s home opener is unclear. Rust was injured in practice last week and was originally projected to miss at least two weeks, and while he did not take his usual spot on the top line yesterday, he did wear a full-contact jersey.
Coach Dan Muse wouldn’t say if Rust will play tonight.
Bryan Rust says everything checked out for him yesterday on the practice ice.
The Penguins will hold a special ceremony tonight to celebrate “The Big Three”, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, who are playing their twentieth season together. That’s never been done in any professional sport.
Muse considers it an incredible accomplishment, considering that two of his team members (Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel) weren’t even born yet when the big three debuted on October 18, 2006 (a 2-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.)
Malkin’s redesigned second line is one of the biggest in the NHL. Malkin and Anthony Mantha are both 6-4 and Justin Brazeau is 6-5. Muse says that’s a problem for opposing defenses.
Rust enjoyed watching the way the Penguins played against the Rangers in Tuesday’s opening night win in New York.
Fans are asked to be in their seats by 7 tonight for the Big Three celebration. Penguins airtime on 92.5 FM U92 is 6 o’clock.
