Penguins Rookie Scores Twice in NHL Debut

Avery Hayes leads Pittsburgh to 5-2 win over Buffalo Sabres before Olympic break

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Avery Hayes, a rookie forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, scored two goals in his NHL debut as the Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Thursday night. Goaltender Arturs Silovs made 26 saves to help secure the victory for Pittsburgh in the final game for both teams before the Olympic break.

Why it matters

Hayes' impressive debut is a promising sign for the Penguins, who are looking to make a deep playoff run this season. The win also keeps Pittsburgh in the hunt for a top seed in the Eastern Conference as the league takes a break for the Winter Olympics.

The details

Called up from the Penguins' minor league affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the 22-year-old Hayes scored his first NHL goal in the second period and added another in the third to help Pittsburgh pull away from the Sabres. Silovs, the Penguins' starting goaltender, turned in a strong performance with 26 saves to earn the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • It was the final game for both teams before the 2026 Winter Olympics break.

The players

Avery Hayes

A 22-year-old rookie forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored two goals in his NHL debut.

Arturs Silovs

The starting goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who made 26 saves in the victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL team that defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 in the final game before the Olympic break.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL team that lost 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the final game before the Olympic break.

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What they’re saying

“Avery really stepped up for us tonight. His two goals were huge in helping us get this win before the break.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

The Penguins and Sabres will both resume play after the 2026 Winter Olympics, with Pittsburgh looking to build on this victory and continue their push for a top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Avery Hayes' impressive NHL debut, including two goals, is an encouraging sign for the Penguins as they aim to make a deep playoff run this season. The team's strong performance heading into the Olympic break also keeps them in contention for a high seed in the Eastern Conference standings.