Despite a week of turmoil with today’s NHL trade deadline looming, the Penguins have kept their focus, last night getting their fourth win in a row and second in a week over Tampa Bay. The final, 5-4 in overtime as defenseman Jeff Petry scored two goals, fourth line forward Drew O’Connor muscled in a goal while fending off a defenseman on a breakaway, and Jason Zucker scored two goals, the final one a one-time in the extra period to get the win.
Coach Mike Sullivan admired the fact that the Penguins could get by the vaunted Lightning twice in a week.
Newly acquired forward Mikael Granlund made his Penguins debut and saw plenty of ice time and the Pens also had forward Drake Cagiulla taking a regular shift after he was called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earlier in the day. The moves were necessitated by the trade of Teddy Blueger to Las Vegas and the demotion to the minors of Brock McGinn and Mark Friedman. The Pens also lost defenseman Kris Letang for a portion of the game after he was struck in the face with a puck and had to leave for some stitchwork.
Sullivan says the Penguins will work through the roster issues, which may change again today with the trade deadline.
The coach says the Penguins enjoy playing in front of their fathers during the annual “dads trip”, and he knows how proud the fathers are.
Jason Zucker had two goals, including the game-winner in overtime. He says he’s more excited that the team got the two points with the win.
The Penguins will skate in Sunrise, Florida against the Florida Panthers tomorrow at 6 PM.
NHL
The Arizona Coyotes’ teardown continues with the trade of former Penguin Nick Bjugstad to Edmonton for a third-round draft pick. Bjugstad has 13 goals and 10 assists this season. The Coyotes now own 11 picks in the 2023 draft, 14 picks in the 2024 draft and 11 picks in 2025. The deal also included a swap of defensemen prospects.
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