With Sidney Crosby not yet back from the Olympics, left wing Rickard Rakell centered the Penguins’ top line at practice yesterday, working with Bryan Rust and Avery Hayes on the wings. Hayes was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton yesterday as insurance in case Crosby’s suspected right knee injury forces him to miss any games, which seems likely. Whiles Hayes was with Wilkes during the Olympic break, he recorded six goals and an assist, picking up two hat tricks in five games.
Coach Dan Muse says the Penguins have played Rakell at center before, and he’d have no problem doing it again
Muse says Avery Hayes is a great insurance policy who dazzled in his NHL debut, scoring two goals against Buffalo just before the break, and he’s stayed hot in Wilkes-Barre.
Kris Letang was skating his regular turn with partner Brett Kulak on the blue line for the Pens yesterday, and indicated he’s ready to return from his broken foot, suffered last month.
The Penguins host Olympic hero Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
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