Kris Letang and his teammatesĀ participated in an outdoor team practice on the ice at Heinz Field. Following the practice was a family skate, where Penguins (first timers and veterans) to outdoor games enjoyed the atmosphere with their families.
Here’s a media recap of today’s festivities:
First-timers can’t wait to get outside
“I’m really excited,” Matt CullenĀ admitted. “I’ve always really liked the idea of it and really enjoy watching them. I just think there’s something really special about it. I was pretty excited when I saw it was on the schedule this year.”
As excited as his three boys, Brooks, Wyatt and Joey?
“I don’t know, probably pretty close,” Cullen laughed. “I know they’re pretty pumped. I think they get to skate during the game too. They’re fired up. They’re setting out all their gear getting ready and they’re pumped.”
INJURIES
The Pens defensive corps is hurting with the recent losses of Trevor Daley (knee) and Olli Maatta (hand). While both of those players will be out until roughly late March-early April, two other blueliners might be available to play.
Justin Schultz (concussion) and Kris Letang (day-to-day) will be game-time decisions, per head coach Mike Sullivan. Both practiced with the team Friday.
Pens talk outdoor practice, family skate
On the 75-degree day and the ice conditions:
Chris Kunitz was pleasantly surprised and not worried for tomorrow’s game:
“Most things melt in those conditions. They did a fabulous job with the ice conditions with what they could by only moving it back an hour and a half for practice. They did a good job of keeping it from the sunshine at this point. It gets deteriorated, but that’s like any ice. They are going to be out there checking it the more times people get on it and skate. I don’t think there should be any worry about what the conditions are going to be. It felt pretty good when we first got on.”
Schedule of Events: Saturday
Saturday, February 25, 2017:Ā
3:00PM-8:00PM: “The PreGame” Official Tailgate Party at Stage AE
- What: A family-friendly festival will be free and open to the public and feature live music, special appearances, and food and hockey attractions, including the NHL Centennial Fan Arena. An interactive traveling experience honoring a century’s worth of extraordinary players, teams, remarkable plays and unforgettable moments, the NHL Centennial Fan Arena will also feature the most revered trophy in all sports — the Stanley CupĀ®.Ā Click here for the full list of attractions at The PreGame.
- Where: Stage AE’s outdoor music stage and parking lot, which is Located at the intersection of Art Rooney Avenue & W. General Robinson Street – 400 N. Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
8:00PM: 2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Seriesā¢
- What: The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the much-anticipated regular-season outdoor game at Heinz Field – home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Musical performances will include OneRepublic, Kaleo, Courtney Daniels, and The Hawkeyes.Ā Click here to read the Stadium Series Fan Guide.
- Where: Heinz Field.
Back together at last… pic.twitter.com/dFxqY4ogrX
ā Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 24, 2017