PHN EXTRA: Riikola ‘Being Patient,’ Could Crack Lineup Thursday

Sure, Juuso Riikola said Monday, he’s ready to slot in to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup as soon as Thursday when they host the Vegas Golden Knights. It would be the 24-year-old defenseman’s NHL debut after he signed as a free agent over the summer.

“I feel good,” Riikola said. “I haven’t played a game yet, so I’ll be ready.”

But he is not counting on dressing for the Penguins’ third game of the season after being a healthy scratch the first two. He doesn’t want to come across as giddy.

“I’m being patient,” Riikola said.