Trade Deadline Turmoil: Penguins Prepare to Face Vegas Golden Knights
On January 20, 2024, the Pittsburgh Penguins will step onto the ice at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to face the Vegas Golden Knights. This matchup follows a whirlwind of trades that occurred earlier in the day, reshaping the Penguins’ roster and leaving them with just the minimum number of active players required for game time. The trades, which saw the departure of forwards Anthony Beauvillier, Cody Glass, and Michael Bunting, as well as defenseman Luke Schenn, have left the Penguins with a pared-down lineup: 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and their two goaltenders, Alex Nedeljkovic and Tristan Jarry.
Welcome to the Team: Tommy Novak’s Excitement
One of the new faces in the Penguins’ lineup is center Tommy Novak, acquired from the Nashville Predators in the Michael Bunting trade. Novak will slot into the third-line center position on Friday and expressed his enthusiasm about joining such a storied franchise. "Obviously, I’m really excited coming to such a storied franchise and playing with such great players," Novak said. "It’s an honor to play for this franchise, and I’m really excited to get going." His arrival brings a fresh perspective and energy to the team, which will be crucial in their upcoming game against a formidable opponent.
Emergency Recall: Jack St. Ivany
In an effort to bolster their defensive lineup, the Penguins recalled defenseman Jack St. Ivany from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) on an emergency basis. However, St. Ivany will not be in the lineup for Friday’s game, and it remains unclear whether he will even be in Vegas for puck drop. This is due to the travel constraints of newly acquired players Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar, who were traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs and are unlikely to arrive in Las Vegas in time. St. Ivany, who has previously spent 19 games with the Penguins this season, has shown promise with one point in his NHL stint and a goal and six points in 21 games with WBS this season.
Goaltending Responsibility: Alex Nedeljkovic
Alex Nedeljkovic will be between the pipes for the Penguins, marking his second consecutive start in goal. His last appearance was a 4-1 loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, where he demonstrated solid performance, surrendering only two goals on 23 shots. While the loss was a setback, Nedeljkovic’s consistency in net will be essential for the Penguins as they look to regroup and face the high-flying Golden Knights. The goaltender’s ability to remain focused and composed under pressure will be a key factor in the outcome of the game.
Opposing Team: Vegas Golden Knights’ Dominance
The Vegas Golden Knights are currently the leaders of the Pacific Division with 80 points, maintaining a four-point advantage over the Edmonton Oilers. Their recent form has been impressive, with a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 games and a three-game winning streak. The Golden Knights also made a notable acquisition at the trade deadline, reuniting with forward Reilly Smith, who spent most of the season with the New York Rangers. Smith has been a consistent threat, contributing 10 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season. His return to Las Vegas not only strengthens the Golden Knights’ offensive capabilities but also adds a familiar face to the lineup.
Stay Informed: Follow the Penguins
For fans eager to keep up with the latest developments and roster changes, bookmarking THN – Penguins Trade Deadline Tracker and THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab is highly recommended. These resources provide up-to-date news, features, and insights on the Penguins, ensuring you stay informed about the team’s journey through the season. As the Penguins face the Golden Knights, these tools will help you catch all the action and critical analysis leading up to and following the game.
