On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins secured a significant victory over the Buffalo Sabers, a game that rookie Avery Hayes could hardly have envisioned just hours earlier. The 23-year-old forward received news around midday that he would travel from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) to join the NHL team, as the Penguins were missing three forwards ahead of the Olympic break. He only learned he would be making his NHL debut around 3 p.m. ET, after Noel Ashari was sidelined due to illness. Hayes then arrived at the rink shortly after 5 p.m. and stepped onto the ice for warm-up, playing his first NHL game by 7 p.m. Within the first period, Hayes impressively scored two goals, helping the Penguins beat the Sabers 5-2. Fellow rookie Ben Kindell also contributed with two goals, marking a standout performance for the team. This win broke a 14-3-3 losing streak since the holiday break and helped Pittsburgh maintain second place in the Metropolitan Division, currently just a point behind the Islanders. The Penguins boast the seventh-best scoring percentage in the league at .625 and have consistently performed well against strong opponents, including Buffalo, which had been on a hot streak for nearly two months. Thursday’s game also featured contributions from sources other than Hayes and Kindell, highlighting the team’s depth.
The Penguins are also contemplating the future, recalling a potential forward in light of ongoing injuries. If he debuts, he would be the league-leading 11th rookie to suit up for the Penguins this season. The game started with Jason Zucker opening the scoring for Buffalo, but Hayes quickly took center stage by tying the game with a goal after a slick breakaway. Later in the first period, Hayes scored his second goal following a clever pass from Anthony Mantha, giving Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead. In the second, Kindell extended the lead with his 13th shot of the season, showcasing his scoring prowess. Buffalo responded early in the third with Tage Thompson’s 30th goal, but Pittsburgh solidified their defense and added a late insurance goal through Egor Chinakhov, sealing the 5-2 victory with Kindell’s short-handed empty-net score.
Hayes’ debut was nothing short of remarkable—rushed from his family and friends for a last-minute opportunity, he ended up scoring twice and illustrating a complete game that reflects attributes similar to Brian Rust, a player who took an unconventional route to NHL success. Although roster constraints mean Hayes might not stay with the team long-term if all players are healthy, this game highlighted Pittsburgh’s impressive depth and potential roster strength. Kindell’s recent performances further exemplify the team’s offensive talent, and defender Ilya Solovyov’s dependable play adds to their defensive stability. Sidney Crosby looked revitalized in the game, firing six shots on goal and bringing his usual intensity, promising he’ll soon find his scoring rhythm again. On the goaltending front, Artur Shilovs rebounded from an early goal, making key saves that were crucial to the win, suggesting promising performances ahead for the Penguins’ goaltenders. Overall, Pittsburgh’s recent success signifies they are a legitimate playoff contender, capable of competing against the league’s best and possibly pushing further in the postseason.
Fan Take: This game exemplifies the resilience and depth of the Penguins, showing that even in unpredictable circumstances, their young talent can rise to the occasion. For hockey fans, it’s an exciting reminder that the sport can always surprise and that emerging players like Hayes and Kindell might be the future faces of the franchise.
