Penguins' Sam Lafferty expected to return to lineup

NEW YORK — Sam Lafferty has been to Gotham before.

After all, he was in town last week when the Pittsburgh Penguins faced the New York Islanders at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

“It’s a pretty crazy place,” said the native of cozy Hollidaysburg.

His most recent trek to New York was different.

He played.

With Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist each sidelined because of undisclosed injuries, Lafferty returned to the lineup for Tuesday’s meeting with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. He opened the contest on the right wing with Dominik Kahun and Nick Bjugstad.

“They’re both just very skilled, and they both can skate, make plays,” Lafferty said. “I’m just going to try to use my speed and put pressure on the Rangers. Just play a hard, simple game.”

Most recently recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Nov. 5, Lafferty had served as a healthy scratch for the team’s previous two games, including a 4-3 overtime win against the Islanders on Thursday.

The Penguins didn’t scratch Lafferty out of any displeasure with his play. He simply was the 13th forward on the roster during those games.

“It’s something I had to go through when I first got to Wilkes-Barre (late in the 2017-18 season),” the rookie forward said. “Obviously, you want to play, but at the same time it’s part of the business and things like happen. You just try to bring a good attitude and be ready when you get your chance.”

His most recent chance at the NHL lineup came about much like his first chance when he was recalled Oct. 7 and played 10 games because incumbent forwards were injured.

This time the call-up doesn’t offer same “new” experience as the first time he was summoned from the American Hockey League affiliate.

“I’ve spent a decent time around the guys,” Lafferty said. “That’s been great just getting comfortable that way. I think that will help.

“A little more comfortable, just a little more confident. Just knowing what I can do here.”

Lafferty suggests there is little difference in how he plays at the AHL or NHL levels.

“When I was in Wilkes, I was in the same line I was here with (Joseph) Blandisi and (Adam) Johnson,” Lafferty said. “We tried to play the same way. We didn’t really change anything.”

One tangible change is ice time. While primarily used as a fourth-liner during his time in the NHL lineup, he has filled a top-six role in the three AHL contests he has played in.

“The only real difference is I played a little bit of power play in Wilkes,” Lafferty said. “It’s pretty similar. You try to play the same game no matter what. For me, that doesn’t really change.

Arguably, the most considerable change over the past two months is Lafferty’s assurance in his ability to contribute at the NHL level.

“I have to believe he’s got a lot more confidence with what he’s been able to accomplish in the time that’s he been here this year,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s played extremely well for us. He brings a whole lot of pace to his game. He’s a good penalty-killer. His speed is his biggest asset. He can play the wing, he can play center. So he’s a pretty versatile player for us.

“He’s played extremely well. Because of that, I have to believe his confidence level should be extremely high just based on what he’s accomplished.”

Said Lafferty: “It’s definitely pretty high. I think I showed myself what I can do here. I’m on a really good line tonight so I just want to play to my strengths.

“There’s not much adjustment there at all. It’s just go out and play.”

Notes:

-Matt Murray is expected to start in goal for the Penguins. In 14 game this season, he has a 9-3-1 record along with a 2.35 goals against average, a .916 save percentage and one shutout.

-The Penguins did not hold a morning skate. Murray and reserve defenseman Chad Ruhwedel were the only players to take the ice.

-Sullivan was asked if Crosby was ruled out for Friday’s road game against the New Jersey Devils but declined to answer the question.

“Right now, our focus is on the game tonight and he’s out tonight,” Sullivan said.

Crosby left Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win at home against the Chicago Blackhawks due to an undisclosed injury.

-Alexandar Georgiev is scheduled to start in net for the Rangers. In seven games, he has a 3-3-1 record along with a 2.86 goals against average and .913 save percentage.

-The Rangers did not hold a morning skate either.

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