Pittsburgh Penguins News

Solovyov had a goal, an assist, and two PIMs in four games played with the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) and has earned himself his first career call up to the Calgary Flames Thursday and will make his NHL debut vs. St.Louis. The 23-year-old defensemen was the Flames seventh round pick in 2020 (#205th overall) and has yet to appear in the NHL despite two successful full AHL seasons in the last two years. He will replace Jordan Oesterle in the Flames lineup Thursday.

It appears Skinner will be the starting goalie for the Oilers on Thursday after serving as the backup for three of their last four contests. The Oilers, who will once again be without Connor McDavid (upper-body), will be desperate to get their season on track as they are off to a disappointing 1-4-1 start. Last year's best offensive team (3.96 GF/GP) is averaging only 2.83 goals per game and is being outscored by an alarm 17-27 total. The Oilers will be challenged by the New York Rangers (-126 road favourites) and will hope that sophomore Stuart Skinner can recapture some of the magic he had last season as a Calder Trophy finalist.

Solovyov had a goal, an assist, and two PIMs in four games played with the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) and has earned himself his first career call up to the Calgary Flames Thursday. The 23-year-old defensemen was the Flames seventh round pick in 2020 (#205th overall) and has yet to appear in the NHL despite two successful full AHL seasons in the last two years. If Adam Ruzicka (undisclosed) is unable to go Thursday, expect Solovyov to make his NHL debut.

Chinakhov had yet to appear this season for Columbus after missing most of training camp with a back injury but has been activated off the injured/Non-roster list and was loaned to Cleveland (AHL). The 22-year-old was Columbus' 2020 first-round pick (21st overall) and had four goals, nine assists, 44 SOG, 10 PIMs, and a -6 plus/minus.

Skinner allowed four goals on 16 shots (.750 SV%) in his previous start as he lost to Vancouver but will look for redemption Saturday as he takes on Winnipeg. The 24-year-old has had a horrific two appearances for the Oilers thus far in 2023-24, with his 0-2-0 record, 5.33 GAA and .750 SV%. He will face the Winnipeg Jets, who have lost their last two games but are fourth in the NHL in shots per game (34.5).

Acciari will be available to suit up on Saturday after not participating in practice for the Penguins on Thursday because of an upper-body injury. If Acciari draws into the lineup, he will likely center the fourth line with Matthew Nieto and Jeff Carter. He has zero points, five blocks, eight hits, and a -1 plus/minus rating through four games.

Letting did not participate in the Penguins' practice Thursday after being evaluated for a lower-body injury but did participate Friday and considers himself a game-time decision Saturday vs. St. Louis. The 36-year-old defensemen is in his 18th season with the Penguins and has three assists, six SOG, two PIMs and a +3 plus/minus in four games played so far in 2023-24.

Acciari missed the Penguins' morning skate Thursday as he was being evaluated for an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day until Pittsburgh releases more information. The 31-year-old bruising winger was signed to a three-year, $6 million contract ($2,000,000 AAV) during the offseason and has yet to pick up a point through four games in 2023-24.

Letting did not participate in the Penguins' practice Thursday and is being evaluated for a lower-body injury. The 36-year-old defensemen is in his 18th season with the Penguins and has three assists, six SOG, two PIMs and a +3 plus/minus in four games played so far in 2023-24. Pittsburgh should be releasing more information on the injuries in the upcoming day or two.

Plasek had six goals, nine assists, and 10 PIMs across 31 games played on loan with HC Olomouc (Czachia) in 2022-23 and has been dealt to Pittsburgh alongside Jack Rathbone for Ty Glover and Mark Friedman Tuesday. The 23-year-old left-winger was Vancouvers' 2019 sixth-round pick (175th overall) and has yet to make his NHL debut.

Alexeyev did not appear in Washington's only game of the season but is expected to make his 2023-24 debut Monday as the Capitals' take on the Flames at home. The 23-year-old defenseman had five assists, 28 SOG, four PIMs, and a -2 plus/minus through 32 games as a rookie in 2022-23. He should be replacing Lucas Johansen in the Capitals' lineup Monday.

Mantha's frustrating tenure with the Capitals continues as he is expected to be a healthy scratch on Monday night. He had zero points and failed to record a shot on goal in 11:52 time-on-ice in the Capitals' season-opener. He has 58 points (24G / 34A) in 119 games as a Capital and is expected to be replaced by Aliaksei Protas on the fourth line.

Bemstrom is expected to play in his second game of the season after being scratched by the Blue Jackets on Saturday. He recorded two shots on goal in 14:27 time-on-ice in his only game of the season. The 24-year-old had a career-high 22 points (7G / 15A) in 55 games last season.

Skinner allowed four goals on 16 shots after replacing Jack Campbell in the Oilers' blowout loss in Vancouver on Wednesday. Campbell surprisingly got the start but didn't last long, however, Skinner didn't fare any better. The Oilers will get Mattias Ekholm back on the blueline tonight, which should help Skinner's cause, but the Oilers need to be much better as a team on Saturday. Skinner was 1-1-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .897 SV% in two games vs. the Canucks last season.

Skinner allowed four goals on 16 shots after replacing Jack Campbell in the Oilers' blowout loss in Vancouver on Wednesday. Campbell surprisingly got the start but didn't last long, however Skinner didn't fare any better. The Oilers will get Mattias Ekholm back on the blueline tonight, which should help Skinner's cause, but the Oilers need to be much better as a team on Saturday. Skinner was 1-1-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .897 SV% in two games vs. the Canucks last season.

After clearing waivers earlier this week, Jones has now been traded to the Avalanche in exchange for Cal Burke. The Texas native has 217 career games under his belt, tallying 50 points (14G / 36A) in that span. Jones will likely serve as a depth defenseman for the Avalanche this season.