The Marlies coaching staff decided that Panik, Nylander, Soshnikov, Percy and Bibeau would be rested in an effort to preserve them for a three-in-three weekend.
That wasn’t the biggest bombshell, however, as around ten minutes before puck drop it was announced that Ryan Massa would not be backing up Garret Sparks — he’d actually be making his American Hockey League debut.
Ryan who? Exactly.
The 25 year old, formerly of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, is playing his first season of professional hockey.
Pulled in his last start for the Orlando Solar Bears, his appearance in this road game was a total curveball.