The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a challenge with Marcus Pettersson sidelined due to an injury.
During a game against Ottawa, Pettersson left in the first period after an unfortunate crash into the boards following a collision with Drake Batherson. With only six minutes on the ice, his absence is felt deeply as he has been crucial for the team this season. Averaging 22 minutes per game, he’s not only third in usage but also leads in blocked shots and ranks high in hits. Last season’s full attendance of 82 games helped him become an essential part of the lineup, achieving career highs and solidifying his role.
His absence leaves a gap that Pittsburgh needs to fill. Enter Owen Pickering and Ryan Shea as potential replacements . Pickering, having played 11 NHL games earlier this year, has shown promise with two points and notable defensive stats like leading blocks-per-game for the team. Fans might wonder if he can step up effectively during Pettersson’s recovery.
Possible Replacements:
Pickering seems poised for more ice time, yet there are other options too. If Pickering doesn’t fit perfectly into Pettersson’s shoes, Shea could be next in line or even Sebastian Aho might get called from the minors to help out.
Injuries always shake things up! What do you think about these changes?
