The Penguins planned to fly to Raleigh. N.C., immediately after their 7-2 preseason spanking by Detroit Wednesday night at Consol Energy Center.
There should have been plenty of room for everyone on the flight to stretch out.
That’s because 18 players were lopped off their training-camp roster Wednesday, reducing the number on hand to 31.
After paring 14 earlier in the day, the Penguins cut four others — forwards Conor Sheary, Oskar Sundqvist and Scott Wilson and goalie Matt Murray — after the Red Wings game.
NHL rules mandate that teams be down to no more than 23 players by Monday, and associate general manager Jason Botterill did not rule out opening the season with the maximum.