By Brian Metzer
With Kris Letang’s status in question due to a high hit from Gilbert Brule on Sunday, an injury to Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen’s flu-like symptoms, the Penguins were running a bit short on the blue line. That shortage prompted a couple surprising recalls this morning by general manager Ray Shero… that of Steve Wagner and Corey Potter from Wilkes Barre-Scranton.
The team had been utilizing the services of Brian Strait over the past few weeks when they have needed a d-man, but they must have wanted to give these guys a look at the NHL level.
Potter has 27 points in 62 games this season and boasts a Wilkes Barre-Scranton leading plus/minus rating of 24. The Michigan State alum was a fourth round pick (122nd overall) of the New York Rangers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and has played in 8 NHL games registering 2-points (1G-1A). Potter is in his first season with the Penguins after signing as a free agent this summer.
Wagner was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Blues last February has posted 26-points (5G-19A) in 64 games this season for the Baby Penguins. The Grand Rapids native and Minnesota State – Mankato alum has played in 46 NHL games, all with the St. Louis Blues, and has registered 12-points (4G-8A).
More info on tonight’s line-up as we get it…
Kudos to Wags for making it back to the NHL. May have taken more than two years, but he did it. He just wasn’t the same after breaking his leg.
Just to add to the above… Paul Martin actually didn’t skate with the team this morning in Ottawa. Didn’t get the update as to what was wrong just yet…
Seems like Wagner has some nice upside! He is having a heck of a season in WBS…
B Metz
is that 2 multi-points games in a row for #11? Looks like being called out by his GM has done wonders for Staal….
Hey EvilPens, hey! he he he
Blind Squirrel meet Acorn, Acorn this is Blind Squirrel! he he