The Pittsburgh Penguins are two wins away from winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. In 2016, their success was mainly due to the “HBK Line”, better known as Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel. However, this season has been completely different. Head coach Mike Sullivan has benched the 28-year-old Swedish forward the last two games as a healthy scratch and he is not happy about it.
Carl Hagelin is the epitome of what all hockey players should be: classy, poised, rarely takes penalties, and a good teammate to those around him. Hagelin was dealing with a nagging ankle injury he suffered on March 11th, forcing him to miss the remainder of the regular season and a number of playoff games, but now, he’s just plain angry at being a healthy scratch when it matters most.
Following practice before the team flight to Nashville, Hagelin told reporters, “First when you find out, it’s disappointing, you’re frustrated, you’re ticked off.”
Teammate and fellow Swede Patric Hornqvist, who was dealing with injuries of his own, replaced Hagelin on the fourth line in the first two games of the Stanley Cup final. But now, Hagelin could finally get his shot in game three at Bridgestone Arena. Nick Bonino blocked a shot against his ankle in Wednesday’s game, and he was seen arriving to the team hotel in Nashville on crutches and in a walking boot.
“It’s not about me. Whenever you get the chance, you’ve got to be ready,” Hagelin added.
Game three of the Stanley Cup final is scheduled for 8:00PM on Saturday night followed by game four on Monday. Carl Hagelin has the speed, drive, and passion of a true hockey player, and when he gets his shot to play, everyone including him, knows it will be worth the wait!
