Two Penguins games against Devils postponed
NEW YORK — The Penguins’ two-game series against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday and Thursday was postponed due to positive COVID19 tests among Devils players.
“It’s something we had to expect coming into the season,” winger Jason Zucker said. “It’s obviously something where we never want to miss games, but we had to expect it. We’re putting our trust in the league and infectious disease team and doctors to make sure they’re making the right decisions.
“I feel that they are. They’re doing a great job so far. We have to respect their decision and just be ready when the puck drops whenever they tell us we’re going to play next.”
The NHL announced Monday that four additional Devils players were added to the NHL’s COVID list. In total, 10 players now are on the list:
Mackenzie Blackwood, Connor Carrick, Aaron Dell, Andreas Johnsson, Janne Kuokkanen, Michael McLeod, Kyle Palmieri, Sami Vatanen, Pavel Zacha and Travis Zajac.
The Penguins were scheduled to play both games at PPG Paints Arena. All of New Jersey’s games through at least Feb. 6 have been postponed. The Devils training facilities also have been closed to all players on the club’s active roster, effective immediately. It will remain closed until further notice. The NHL is in the process of reviewing and revising the Devils’ regular-season schedule.
The Penguins wrapped up a four-game road trip Monday night against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. With the two mid-week games postponed, the Penguins’ next game is set for Saturday, on the road against the New York Islanders.
“We’re going to try to maximize it. We’ve got an opportunity to work on some of these things where we know we’ve got to improve and get better,” coach Mike Sullivan said of the unexpected break. “Special teams will be a big priority for us.”
The Penguins also are scheduled to play the Devils Feb. 9 in New Jersey. It remains to be seen how the league will handle that game.
“We’re going to take care of what we can on our end, make sure we keep the positives out of our locker room as much as we can,” Zucker said. “We’re going to welcome this practice time the next few days to get ready for our next few games.”