‘A Treat to Coach’ Sam Lafferty Pushing to Make Penguins Lineup PHN+

It wasn’t a slam dunk, or in hockey terms, it was not an empty netter that 25-year-old Sam Lafferty would be a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins primary roster for the 24-team Stanley Cup tournament and NHL playoffs. Lafferty cracked the NHL lineup this season as injuries plagued the team and he may again benefit as the Penguins need and his availability intersect.

The Penguins lineup is whole, almost. As if a continuation of the bad luck this season, Penguins banger Patric Hornqvist is one of nine players the Penguins voluntarily isolated because of secondary exposure to COVID-19.

The quarantine could last anywhere between seven to 14 days, or longer if symptoms eventually develop.

Enter Sam Lafferty. Again.

“He’s a motivated kid and he wants to make the Pittsburgh Penguins roster,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get there. And because of that, he’s got such a great attitude. He’s one of those guys. He’s a treat to coach.”