Plenty of storylines to follow in Pittsburgh today, as the Pens host the ‘Canes -- newly-acquired Carl Hagelin will debut on the club’s second line with Phil Kessel and Evegni Malkin, while defenseman Kris Letang is out after getting hit against Tampa Bay on Friday.
It’ll be interesting to watch Hagelin play alongside another speedster in Kessel. One of the theories as to why Hagelin struggled to fit in Anaheim is that his pace of play didn’t mesh with the Ducks’ attack. The Swede had just four goals in 43 games with Anaheim.
As for Letang, the injury doesn’t sound serious, but it will keep him out of a battle of two teams jockeying for playoff contention.
Coach Sullivan confirms that Kris Letang will not play tonight. He will be a game-time decision tomorrow. Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 17, 2016
Carolina comes into today’s action on 48 points, two back of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Pittsburgh is one point back of Carolina, with 47.