The Penguins cut fourteen players yesterday, sending them all to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. None of them had played in either of the first two preseason games. The most recognizable name was defenseman Isaac Belliveau, a 2021 fifth round draft choice.
The Pens will play at Detroit tomorrow and then play the Hockeyville USA game on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators in Sudbury, in northern Ontario. The logistics of the weekend will force some changes for the Pens. The entire squad will be in Detroit and then some will go to Sudbury and the rest will return to Pittsburgh.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the team is sorting through a crowded roster to find the guys who merit a closer look, and established players will soon get their first game action.
One player who is still not practicing is defenseman Erik Karlsson. He has an undisclosed upper body injury and is skating, but not suiting up for practice yet. Sullivan says the Penguins are being careful with him.
The coach says newly-acquired Rutger McGroarty has impressed him with his skills and mental approach to the game. He says the young forward still has to become accustomed to the NHL’s pace of play, and that means more than just speed. McGroarty was bumped down to Group 2 yesterday.
The Penguins will have today off.
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