PITTSBURGH RECALLS JAMES AND MINARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA –The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forwards Chris Minard and Connor James from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

Minard is recalled to Pittsburgh for  the second time this season.  He was first recalled on January 20th playing one game, his NHL debut, on January 21st vs. Washington.  Minard has scored 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists) in 47 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.  His 21 goals lead the club and rank tied for 12th in the AHL.  He leads the team with 10 power play goals which ranks tied for eighth in the AHL.  Minard was originally signed by the Penguins as a free agent on July 12th, 2007.

James is in his second stint with the Penguins.  He was recalled on December 15th and made his Penguins debut that night vs. the New York Islanders.   James has registered 20 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 48 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.  He ranks second on the team in assists (22) and has scored five points (one goal, four assists) in his last five games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  James was originally signed by the Penguins as a free agent on August 9th, 2006.  He made his NHL debut during the 2005-06 season playing two games with the Los Angeles Kings.

Kris Beech was placed on injured reserve.  He suffered a broken wrist in last night’s game vs. Carolina and will be sidelined indefinitely.