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Thursday, 10 February 2011 10:35

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

We're thinking a mini-van was involved in this latest move.

The Penguins have recalled forwards Ryan Craig, Nick Johnson, Brett Sterling (above) and Joe Vitale from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.

Craig, 29, was a free agent signing this past summer. In 49 AHL games this season, he has 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists). He last saw action in the NHL last season when he appeared in three games for the Lightning and failed to record a point.

Johnson, 25, was a fourth-round pick in 2004. In 48 AHL games this season, he has 39 points (20 goals, 19 assists). Johnson appeared in six games last season with the NHL Penguins and scored two points (one goal, one assist).

Sterling, 26, was a free agent signing ths past summer. In 46 AHL games this season, he has 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists). Sterling, who had a productive training camp with the Penguins, last saw action in the NHL in 2008-09 when he appeared in six games for the Thrashers and scored one goal.

Vitale, 25, a seventh-round pick in 2005, has appeared in 50 AHL games this season and has 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists). He has never played in the NHL.

(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Comments (11)

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written by Stillson14, February 10, 2011 - 09:52 AM

Wow. How bad is this team when 87 and 71 are hurt? It's basically Staal (at best a 2nd line center) and 11 3rd and 4th liners. I'll be surprised if they ever score a goal.

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written by Bones, February 10, 2011 - 10:16 AM

Well, it will be interesting to what these guys bring to the table. Sterling used to absolutely torture the Gophers in college...

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written by chuckinrlp, February 10, 2011 - 10:22 AM

Why did Tangradi get sent down then? He didn't look out of place the last game against the Jackets. Perhaps this is a move to see what some of the other younger guys can provide prior to pulling the trigger on a trade?

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written by espo33, February 10, 2011 - 10:22 AM

Not sure why they have to recall 4 guys though. Is Kunitz still hurt? They should have Dupius, Staal, Kennedy, Talbot, Rupp, Conner, Jeffery, Wallace, Adams and Godard. I guess Godard sits...

If they call them up I would hope they keep the WB line together as Craig-Sterling-Johnson have been on the same line together. Then have:

Talbot-Staal-Kennedy
Conner-Jeffrey-Dupius
Rupp-Adams-Wallace

Seth, when you do the game tonight you have to do the picture on the screen on where everyone is playing together.

That PP is going to look terrible...

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written by Bones, February 10, 2011 - 10:29 AM

Wallace got sent down.

They will be fine. I was able to get 30+ goals out of Sterling in NHL 11. Who says video games are not realistic!

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written by eman41, February 10, 2011 - 10:30 AM

Why did Tangradi get sent down then?

Shero/Bylsma clearly didn't see what they wanted from Tangradi and Wallace. They sent a message by sending them down and calling up different guys.

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written by eman41, February 10, 2011 - 10:41 AM

Bah I can't delete my comment.Whatever.

Anyway, Tangradi is at 14 NHL games played. At 15 he is no longer a "rookie" and probably impacts the salary cap.

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written by eman41, February 10, 2011 - 10:49 AM

Should have gotten stronger coffee. Rookie status is at 25 games. Who the hell knows. Time to start up Tangradi Rumors again.

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written by Disgruntled Goat, February 10, 2011 - 11:50 AM

After tonight, the Pens are on the road for nine out of eleven. This could get ugly. Neutral zone trap anyone?

Craig is 29.

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written by Disgruntled Goat, February 10, 2011 - 12:00 PM

Rumor has it that Tangradi stinks. Can't confirm that one yet.

Weren't Jock Callander, Dave Michayluck and Mike Needham available?

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written by Bones, February 10, 2011 - 12:22 PM

Hey, I went to high school with a guy named Michael Needham!

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