After Monday’s morning skate, Ben Kindel sat at his locker stall back in Pittsburgh and reflected on some of the surreal moments he experienced the last two weeks.

He has shared the ice with Sidney Crosby and other Penguins stars. His preseason debut was played at a historic arena in Montreal. And this past weekend, he had a front row seat as Penguins fans gave Marc-Andre Fleury an unforgettable sendoff.

But one thing that had been missing for the 2025 first-round pick was his unofficial first NHL goal, despite ample opportunity for him in his first Penguins preseason.

“Hopefully, I’ll get my scoring touch here soon,” Kindel, 18, said. “I’m happy at least that the chances are coming. And I know eventually the puck will start to go in.”

Turns out he would only have to wait a few more ho

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