{"id":37673,"date":"2018-11-07T09:58:18","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T14:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=37673"},"modified":"2018-11-07T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2018-11-07T20:00:00","slug":"zach-aston-reese-ready-shine-pittsburgh-penguins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/11\/07\/zach-aston-reese-ready-shine-pittsburgh-penguins\/","title":{"rendered":"Zach Aston-Reese Ready to Shine With Pittsburgh Penguins"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> have recalled Zach Aston-Reese<\/strong><\/a> from the Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins. After suffering an ugly injury last year during the playoffs, Aston-Reese recovered and has been thriving ever since. Now it’s time for the young star to secure his place in the NHL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zach Aston-Reese Shines in AHL<\/span><\/h2>\n

After appearing in nine games, the young forwards playoff run with the Penguins ended abruptly last season. Aston-Reese found himself on the receiving end of a high hit from the Washington Capitals<\/a> Tom Wilson<\/strong>.<\/a>\u00a0He suffered a broken jaw and a concussion. Ashton-Reese dealt with the injuries during the post-season and was ready to go for training camp this summer. The rookie had an average preseason run but ultimately was sent to the AHL when the team finalized their roster. <\/span><\/p>\n

Aston-Reese is currently in the second season of a two-way deal that enables him to go between the NHL and AHL while avoiding waivers. Before his injury, Aston-Reese was skating on Sidney Crosby<\/a><\/strong>‘s line. He was reliable on the defensive side of play and had a level of physicality to his game that Pittsburgh valued. Post-injury, it seemed like he was more skittish than he once was. His production fell short during the preseason. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan<\/a><\/strong> sent him to the AHL to regain his confidence, and that’s precisely what he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since arriving in the AHL, Aston-Reese has been a driving force for the WBS Penguins. He placed third in scoring after 11 appearances with the team and currently owns six goals and three assists for nine points. He’s\u00a0been hitting his stride, netting the first hat trick of the season in a November fourth contest against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The WBS Penguins are currently third in their division, with a 6-4 record.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aston-Reese and His Future in the NHL<\/span><\/h2>\n

Coach Sullivan has been mixing his lines up as of late, hoping to light a fire under his team. With Derick Brassard<\/a> <\/strong>still absent due to a lower-body injury, having Aston-Reese back in the lineup will relieve some pressure. Bringing him back while he’s in the middle of a hot streak, well that’s just a bonus.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Penguins have recalled Zach Aston-Reese and Garrett Wilson from the @WBSPenguins<\/a>. Derek Grant has been re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton.<\/p>\n

Details: https:\/\/t.co\/GBQVgtJcoK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/t9adIXcuJa<\/a><\/p>\n

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 6, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n