Shocking Turn of Events Involving Rutger McGroarty's Brutal Injury Scare
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
April 11, 2025 (3:49 PM)
Photo credit: ESPN
Rutger McGroarty's Pittsburgh Penguins season ended on Thursday, but it appears he may still have a chance to play post-season hockey this season.
Now however, there has been a new twist in the tale, as it appears McGroarty is a chance to return for the AHL Playoffs with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, as he qualifies for the post-season given that he was on the roster after the necessary date to make him eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs race.
When asked about the situation, Head Coach Mike Sullivan revealed that the WBS Penguins will need to play a long time to make McGroarty's return a possibility, and while he didn't reveal how many rounds they'd need to win to make a return possible, it's still something the team will be hoping for.
"It's disappointing, because he was playing real well, and we thought it was a great experience for him to get NHL games. We're hopeful that Rutger's injury will come around. We're hopeful that Wilkes-Barre will play long enough that he has an opportunity to help them continue to have success down there. That's an important experience for him as well."
In 60 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, the rookie McGroarty posted 14 goals and 39 points, and while he may not be tasting the NHL Playoffs this season, if the team stay alive long enough, the experience to play post-season hockey no matter what level would be key to his development.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
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AVRIL 11 | 173 ANSWERS Shocking Turn of Events Involving Rutger McGroarty's Brutal Injury Scare Will the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins go deep in the Calder Cup Playoffs this year? |
Yes | 140 | 80.9 % |
No | 33 | 19.1 % |
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