Chirps from Center Ice

A couple things to touch on before a midweek road game in Hershey Wednesday.

Pittsburgh re-assigned Daniel Sprong back to Wilkes-Barre Monday. Sprong had been a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh in their last two games and only played into the second period in Anaheim last Wednesday. Instead of letting him waste away up top, he was returned to the AHL with likely homework to do from Mike Sullivan and his coaching staff. Bryan Rust is set to return from injury any day now.

Wilkes-Barre recalled Jeff Taylor and Freddie Tiffels from the Wheeling Nailers Monday. This move preceded the Sprong move. Wilkes-Barre went with seven defensemen and eleven forwards on Sunday in Hartford, so this was not a surprise.

Edit: Then Tuesday afternoon, Wilkes-Barre sent Taylor back to Wheeling. Thanks for the fish, Jeff.

Tuesday, the following news came out of practice at Coal Street.

–

Tom followed up…

–

Big news, for sure. Donatelli was not fully committed to the trio being 100% enough to where they will most definitely return, but regardless this is a positive sign and step in the right direction.

Finally, up top, Casey DeSmith will start his third straight NHL game, with Sullivan telling old pal Jonathan Bombulie that he is staying with the hot hand. Pittsburgh hosts Carolina tonight at 7.

Gameday setup for Hershey Wednesday will hit the blog at 3. Check back then.