Penguins Gamers Bryan Rust and Aston-Reese Battle NHL Gaming Challenge

It’s come to this, I suppose. The NHL in conjunction with EA Sports has launched the NHL Gaming Challenge, a weekly video game challenge featuring NHL players and one NFL tight end representing the expansion Seattle franchise. The weekly matches will be hosted by LA Kings play-by-play broadcaster Alex Faust and be broadcast on NBC Sports, as well as Twitch. Pittsburgh Penguins wingers and co-quarantiners Zach Aston-Reese and Bryan Rust will represent the Penguins hopes.

Is the pandemic over yet?

How about now? Now?

Hopefully, one of them is a good trash talker. The challenge is part of the #HockeyatHome initiative. Beginning on April 30, for four weeks, each team will be featured in a one-time match against another team’s video game dynamos. Storylines, opponents, and telecast (streaming, too) details will be announced at the beginning of the week.

By the way, you’ll catch this writer learning the F1 tracks on Xbox under my God-given name: BudMoonshine

The National Hockey League Foundation and EA will donate $100,000 to the CDC’s COVID-19 relief fund.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Metro Division rivals will include some physical players, including James Van Riemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers, Chris Kreider with the New York Rangers, and Matt Martin of the New York Islanders. Evgeny Kuznetsov will represent the Washington Capitals, newly-minted Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets will team with Zach Werenski, and Mackenzie Blackwood will carry the New Jersey Devils flag.

Another interesting matchup will be brothers Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames) will play Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators. There is no word if resets will be allowed or their parents will have to separate them, later.

According to the NHL, NBC Sports will air the first series of games, including Tkachuk battle and Columbus vs. Winnipeg, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN on April 30. Sportsnet will air select episodes on Sportsnet ONE. All matches will also air on the NHL Network or its Twitch channel.

All featured matches also will be streamed on the NHL’s social platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook Premiere, and NHL.com. Hockey and gaming fans can follow along using the hashtag #HockeyAtHome.