PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Already without several players, another is now out for the Pens season opener in Tampa Bay Tuesday night. Defenseman Mike Matheson has a lower-back injury and even though he went through a morning skate. He won’t play tonight.
Matheson is day-to-day. Mark Friedman likely will sub in. We will see if he’s paired with John Marino as Matheson had been.
Boyle’s Back
New Pens general manager Ron Hextall said from his first news conference, they wanted to improve the size on the roster. They officially added a 6’6” veteran center the day the 2021-22 season opens.
“We really liked his game,” said Pens head coach Mike Sullivan. “We think he could help us in some of the areas where we are trying to improve and get better. Brian is a really good pro.”
The 36-year-old Boyle sat out last season, but said he always intended to return to game.
“Mentally, being motivated to train was still there,” Boyle said of last year. “So I did it. I still had a passion for it. I still wanted to get back in and play. It’s obviously challenging, but it’s a rewarding life to be able to play in this league. I’m excited to get back in.”
“The veteran presence,” said Pens defenseman Kris Letang. “He’s been in the league a long time. He has a calm presence. He’s got big size, big frame. He plays a physical game. Good two-way player. On the PK, really effective.”
“I played a lot against him. A hard working guy. I’ve been on the wrong side of a couple of battles between me and him. It’s fun to have a guy like that on your team now.”
“We think he will bring us leadership off the ice,” Sullivan said. “We think he will help our penalty kill and in the faceoff circle on the ice. I thought he had a strong showing during training camp.”
Boyle said he likes the way the Pens have battled through injuries in the past. It’s allowed for other players an opportunity to step up their games.
“Sid, Geno and Tanger, these guys have set a standard of how to conduct business that’s obviously trickled down,” Boyle said. “You can see it in some of the younger guys that have become more and more household names. They do a good job of looking at it as an opportunity and they are right there every year. This year is exciting for me to be a part of something like that.”
“At the end of the day I wasn’t ready to quit. So I didn’t. I’m fortunate that Hextall and Sullivan gave me an opportunity in camp and I want to make the most of that.”
“We are excited to have him,” Sullivan said. “We think he is going to make us a better hockey team.”