Penguins Call Up McGroarty as Crosby and Malkin Sit Out Against Stars

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to grapple with a series of injuries that have plagued their roster throughout the season. As they prepare for their Saturday matchup against the Dallas Stars, the team is turning to its AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, for reinforcements. Forward Rutger McGroarty has been recalled, stepping into the spotlight as the Penguins look to bolster their lineup in the absence of two key players.

Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been ruled out for the game, with Crosby dealing with a lower-body injury sustained during Thursday’s thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Ottawa Senators. Malkin, meanwhile, is set to miss his third consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. The news of their absence has prompted the Penguins to make roster adjustments, including the reassignment of forwards Avery Hayes and Joona Koppanen back to the AHL.

McGroarty, who celebrates his 22nd birthday in two days, is eager to make his mark after dealing with injuries himself that sidelined him for training camp and the early part of the season. In his 20 NHL games this season, he has accumulated two goals and five points, showcasing versatility by playing in various positions across the lineup. Penguins head coach Dan Muse has confirmed that McGroarty will be featured on the third line, dubbed the “kid line,” alongside fellow rookies Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen.

In the AHL this season, McGroarty has demonstrated his scoring ability with seven goals and 27 points over 26 games, although he has recently struggled, managing just one goal and two points in his last six outings. As the Penguins face off against the Stars, McGroarty’s opportunity to shine could be pivotal for both his development and the team’s quest for a crucial win.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.