Penguins
Penguins News: Ponomarev Re-Assigned, Hayes Possible
After a bit of a wait to get to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vasily Ponomarev’s first tryout is over.
After three games in the NHL lineup, Ponomarev, 22, will take those lessons learned after a few rocky outings back the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. The Penguins sent Ponomarev back to WBS Saturday to make room for Kevin Hayes, whom the club activated later Saturday afternoon.
Ponomarev didn’t record a point in his three games.
Hayes, 32, has been on IR. In 14 games, the forward has four points (1-3-4), and coach Mike Sullivan officially termed him a game-time decision. Valtteri Puustinen remains on the NHL roster, so if Hayes is unable, Puustinen would get the 12th sweater, unless the team dresses seven defensemen.
The Penguins face the Utah Hockey Club Saturday at PPG Paints Arena. Faceoff is set for 7:08 p.m.
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Honestly if they could figure out the 2nd line this year would be watchable, I won’t say salvageable. Roll with Line 1: Malkin, Crosby, Rakell; Line 2: XXX, XXX, Rust; Line 3: Puljujarvi, O’Connor, Poulin; Line 4: Hayes, Lizzo/Glass, Acciari. I know the 4th line has mostly been on IR, but I’d have to think there are numerous WB players who could fill those roles.
Why not have strength on 3 lines and start spreading the minutes out so Crosby is fresher late in the year.
1 Crosby – Rust – Acciari
2 Puljujarvi – DOC – Poulin
3 Rakell – Malkin – Bunting
4 Nieto – Hayes – Beauvillier
Let Rust and Crosby do their thing with the team hit leader creating some space. Let the best line be the 2nd line and put Bunting and Rakell back with Geno – and tell Geno if he holds onto the puck more than 3 strides, he’s getting pine or nachos.
You lost me with Acciari in the first line. The only time they should play together is there is a bad line change…
Espo – I don’t disagree with that entirely, but could he do any worse that what Rust, Rakell or Malkin have done the last 3 weeks? Plus if there is anything positive out of it, you increase his trade value.
Do u ever listen or reread what u post?
Todd
Hayes or Puustinen will definitely be a difference maker in this lineup. That will turn this season around for sure.
Its Sullivan’s fault Ponomarev is being sent down!! if he would change his system and play extra wingers and less defensemen in the game this would never happen!!!???
The team could dress 10 defensemen and it probably wouldn’t make a difference