WHITNEY TO SUIT UP IN WILKES-BARRE TONIGHT

The Pittsburgh Penguins have assigned defenseman Ryan Whitney to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League for a conditioning assignment, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

Whitney has missed 31 games since undergoing successful surgery on his left foot during the off-season.  The 6-4, 219-pound defenseman registered 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists) in 76 games during the 2007-08 regular season.  He tallied one goal and five assists for six points in 20 playoff appearances, helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Whitney has collected 137 points (32 goals, 105 assists) along with 207 penalty minutes in 225 career games in the NHL.  The 25-year old has appeared in 25 playoff contests with the Pittsburgh, scoring eight points (two goals, six assists) and 31 penalty minutes.

The native of Boston, Massachusetts was the Penguins’ first-round choice, fifth overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Seats are still available for Saturday night’s contest against the Albany River Rats, scheduled for 7:05pm.  Call the Penguins ticket office at 208-7367 for more information.