The Penguins had lost two in a row and were playing the hottest team in the NHL in Buffalo last night. No problem, thanks to a spectacular NHL debut by a speedy young rookie. Paul Steigerwald has the remarkable story of Avery Hayes and the Pens.
The Pens played without Rickard Rakell, who suffered an undisclosed injury during morning skate. His status is day-to-day and his status for Team Sweden in the Olympics in unknown. Noel Acciari missed the game due to illness and Blake Lizotte was absent to be with his expectant wife.
The Penguins won’t play again until February 26th against New Jersey. After last night’s game, they assigned Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton so they can continue to play competitive hockey while the NHL shuts down for the Olympics. Wilkes will play seven games in the 20-day span.
