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Kevin Hayes reveals what the Penguins are really getting out of their overseas trip
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
Penguins veteran Kevin Hayes revealed how important this trip to Sweden has been, as it has allowed teammates to truly bond together.
The Penguins held an optional morning skate today, and Dan Muse confirmed that Arturs Silovs will get the start in goal tonight vs. the Nashville Predators. The rest of the lineup will be finalized closer to puck drop in a few hours.
What a trip like this can do for a team
Rookie Ben Kindel and veteran Kevin Hayes handled post-skate availability, with Hayes talking about how valuable a trip like this can be for bringing a group closer.
"We spend a lot of time together at the rink, and then when you're at home in Pittsburgh, you kind of go back to your families and live your everyday life. But when you get a trip like this, you get to talk to guys," Hayes said. "I've learned more about Kindy this trip than I have all season. So, it's kind of nice just being able to go to dinner. Last night, eight of us went to dinner. And it's older guys, younger guys, coming together and just chatting about each other's lives. I'm a big chatter, so it's nice to go to dinner and find out info about guys."
Time away from home creates space for real conversations and shared experiences, and Hayes has learned so much about his teammates through dinners and downtime where they've had a chance to explore the city.
Younger players and veterans mixing together has helped strengthen the room in a way that daily routines back in Pittsburgh don't always present the opportunity for.
Why this trip has been so important for the Penguins
The schedule has given the team the rare chance to catch its breath. After opening the year with a heavy stretch of games, the Penguins now find themselves playing only two times over 12 days.
This slower rhythm has allowed the team to adjust to a new country and enjoy the local culture, with teammates such as Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson taking the lead in showing the group around Sweden, since they are back in their native land.
The Penguins realize they're here for two important games and an opportunity to collect four absolutely crucial points.
As the team settles in and prepares for the Global Series, the emphasis is on starting strong and carrying that mindset forward for when they return back to North America.
The trip has provided both bonding and breathing room, but the ultimate mission remains: be ready when the puck drops and make every minute that goes by count.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 14 | 55 ANSWERS Kevin Hayes reveals what the Penguins are really getting out of their overseas trip Will this bonding experience allow the Penguins to play even better than they have? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 85.5 % |
| No | 8 | 14.5 % |
| List of polls | ||