The Penguins got to work early on Tuesday, knocking out their third and final game of the prospect tournament in Detroit against Dallas.
Pierce Mbuyi – Bill Zonnon – Tanner Howe
Mikhail Ilyin – Markus Ruck – Liam Ruck
Carter Sanderson – Atley Calvert – Jordan Charron
Max Graham – Brayden Edwards – Travis Hayes
Jake Livanavage / Harrison Brunicke
Tomas Galvas / Chase Pietila
Broten Sabo / Benett Kelly
The opposition had the following lineup with 11 forwards and seven defensemen dressed for the Stars.
The Ruck twins got the first goal, with linemate Mikhail Ilyin featuring into the scoring play as well. As seen so many times in the Rucks’ WHL highlight videos they used a quick pass from behind the back of the net that gives the goalie almost no chance. As usual it was Markus making the play and Liam finding the perfect spot to hammer in a quick shot and put the Pens on the board in the first period. The chemistry between the two and the suddenness that they can get a little ahead of the play makes it just about automatic for the puck to end up in the net.
Penalty trouble was up next for the Pens, with them taking eight total minutes worth of penalties in the first period, including a Chase Pietila double minor. Dallas hit a post behind Matvei Ninkovich and then eventually scoring with a 5v3 advantage when former first round pick Emil Hemming scored on a one-time shot.
The score remained tied through the second period, early in the third Dallas pulled ahead with a player getting a stick to deflect a centering pass in. Ninkovich remained strong stopping a Stars shorthanded breakaway later in the third.
The Pens pull the goalie late, Dallas makes them pay with a long-range empty net goal to set the score at 3-1.
Some more passing thoughts
That wraps it up for the Pens in Detroit, the young players now head back to Pittsburgh for the start of full NHL training camp on Thursday.