The Penguins will hit the practice ice today in Cranberry, getting ready for tomorrow night’s game against New Jersey. The team has three games this week, all against Metro Division rivals, and then take a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The big news for the Pens over the weekend was the trade swung by president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas, who swapped Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to Vancouver for Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, the rights to prospect Melvin Fernstrom, and a conditional first-round draft pick. The Pens then went onto the ice at PPG Paints Arena and shut out Nashville, 3-0.
Dubas continues to acquire draft choices and young prospects and says his plan to stockpile the Penguins young talent is coming together.
Dubas says his plan for the youngsters currently playing at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, such as Ville Koivunen and Vasily Ponamarev, is to have come to Pittsburgh and stay there once they are promoted.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins win on Saturday was a great example of how they want to play, especially at even strength.
Sullivan was happy to see sharpshooter Danton Heinen back in a Penguins uniform, especially for his offensive versatility.
Another highly-rated prospect, defenseman Owen Pickering, has been named an AHL All-Star as a replacement player. Pickering was recently sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by the Penguins. He joins veteran teammate Emil Bemstrom as an All-Star. The two skated in the skills contest yesterday. The All-Star game will be played tonight.
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