Undrafted Star Avery Hayes Scores Twice in Stunning NHL Debut
Avery Hayes made a night to remember in Buffalo, scoring not one, but two goals in his very first NHL game, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins topple the Sabres 5-2. What makes this moment extraordinary is that Hayes was an undrafted free agent, called up from the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team just hours before the puck dropped. Imagine getting a call at noon, rushing to the arena after a four-hour car ride and stepping onto NHL ice for the first time by 5 p.m.—then lighting the lamp twice. That’s exactly what Hayes did.
The game started with Buffalo striking first. Jason Zucker capitalized early, giving the Sabres a 1-0 lead. But Hayes quickly made his mark. He tied it up with a smart breakaway, chasing down a loose puck and slipping it past goaltender Alex Lyon. Later in the first, a sensational no-look pass from Anthony Mantha found Hayes in the circle and he fired a rising snap shot to give the Penguins a 2-1 lead. The crowd at KeyBank Center witnessed history, as Hayes became only the third player in Penguins history to score multiple goals in an NHL debut.
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Ben Kindel joined the fireworks, scoring twice himself, including a short-handed empty-net goal to seal the win. Arturs Silovs stood strong in net for Pittsburgh, stopping 26 shots and keeping the Sabres at bay during critical moments. For the Penguins, who had just come off a two-game losing streak, this win injected energy and confidence into the locker room, pushing their record to 7-1-1 over the past nine games. Coach Dan Muse praised the team for earning that victory, especially heading into the Olympic break.
For Buffalo, the loss was a setback after a brief five-game winning streak. Coach Lindy Ruff was candid about missed opportunities, noting the team’s lack of sharpness and the tough feeling that comes from letting key chances slip away. Still, players like Tage Thompson emphasized the importance of refocusing and moving forward, understanding that the season is long and every game counts.
This game isn’t just a personal triumph for Hayes—it’s a reminder of the unpredictable, thrilling nature of hockey. Undrafted, untested at the NHL level and yet immediately impactful, Hayes’ performance demonstrates that opportunity and preparation can converge in spectacular ways. It’s a story of resilience, rapid adaptation and instant impact that will resonate across the league and with fans everywhere.
Stay tuned as the NHL season continues to unfold and keep watching for the next breakout star, because stories like Avery Hayes’ debut prove that in hockey, anything can happen on any given night.
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