Injury Sidelines Penguins’ Forward Bryan Rust
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust will miss Saturday’s matchup against the Calgary Flames due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Dan Muse confirmed Rust’s status just two hours before the game, designating him as “day to day.” The injury comes as a concern for the Penguins, as Rust has been an essential player this season.
Impact of Bryan Rust’s Injury
In Rust’s absence, the Penguins have made adjustments to their lineup. Forward Kevin Hayes will take Rust’s spot, although his exact position in the lineup has not been disclosed. Additionally, the team has recalled forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League as a precautionary measure.
Rust’s Performance This Season
- Rust is the Penguins’ second-leading scorer.
- He has accumulated 36 points, consisting of 16 goals and 20 assists.
- Rust has participated in 40 games, averaging 20:16 of ice time per game.
- He plays on the top line as well as the top power-play unit and penalty kill.
Upcoming Game Details
The Penguins enter this contest riding a six-game winning streak, presenting a strong front despite the absence of Rust. Pittsburgh’s rookie goaltender, Arturs Silovs, is set to start. Silovs has been impressive, boasting a four-game winning streak of his own. His season record stands at 8 wins, 5 losses, and 6 ties, complemented by a 3.24 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage, including one shutout.
Game Statistics
| Player | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Rust | 40 | 16 | 20 |
| Arturs Silovs | 19 | – | – |
Team Performance and Opponent Info
The Calgary Flames will face the Penguins following a streak of four consecutive losses. This adds extra pressure as they seek to snap their slump against a team currently on a roll. Notably, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is approaching a milestone, boasting 699 career assists.
Neither the Penguins nor the Flames held a morning skate ahead of the game. The officiating team for this matchup includes referees Francois St. Laurent and Alex Lepkowski, along with linesmen C.J. Murray and Kyle Flemington.
