Michael Bunting Involved in Car Accident: Developing Story
The Pittsburgh Penguins forward Michael Bunting was involved in a car accident and will not play today's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning today at the PPG Paints Arena, but they won't be able to count on one of their key forwards: Michael Bunting.
In breaking news, head coach Mike Sullivan revealed that the forward has been involved in a car accident.
The coach confirmed that Bunting will be okay, but won't take part in the game:
As of now, no other details have been released, but fans can be glad that everybody inside the car was fine. However, Bunting's absence leaves a gap in the Penguins' lineup, especially considering his recent form and contribution to the team's offensive structure.
Bunting, acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the trade sending Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes, has been a key player for the Penguins in the team's attempt to bounce back from their terrible start to the 2024-25 NHL season.
Known for his gritty style of play, the forward brings an important physical presence on the ice while chipping in offensively.
After 43 games, the 6-foot forward from Ontario has tallied 13 goals and 12 assists. While those numbers are solid, his greatest value lies in his work ethic, tenacity, and ability to make life difficult for opponents in front of the net.
With Evgeni Malkin also set to miss tonight's game, a tough challenge awaits Mike Sullivan's men, who will need their depth players to step up in critical moments. The Penguins face a strong Tampa Bay Lightning team in what is expected to be a high-stakes, physical game.
Today's matchup is crucial given the tightly contested race for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. A win would allow Pittsburgh to tie the Columbus Blue Jackets for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with 46 points.
Meanwhile, we will continue to provide the latest updates on Bunting's status.
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Nikita Kucherov | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Cutter Gauthier | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Evgeny Dadonov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Erik Gustafsson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Patrick Kane | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Marco Kasper | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Dylan Larkin | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Rickard Rakell | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jake Guentzel | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Martin Necas | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Lucas Raymond | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jaden Schwartz | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Moritz Seider | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Vladimir Tarasenko | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Matthew Beniers | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Oliver Bjorkstrand | 1 | - | 1 | |
| J.T. Compher | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Alex DeBrincat | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Capitals | 43 | 28 | 10 | 5 | 61 | |
Jets | 44 | 29 | 12 | 3 | 61 | |
Golden Knights | 42 | 28 | 11 | 3 | 59 | |
Wild | 43 | 27 | 12 | 4 | 58 | |
Maple Leafs | 44 | 27 | 15 | 2 | 56 | |
Devils | 45 | 26 | 15 | 4 | 56 | |
Stars | 41 | 27 | 13 | 1 | 55 | |
Oilers | 42 | 26 | 13 | 3 | 55 | |
Hurricanes | 43 | 26 | 15 | 2 | 54 | |
Kings | 40 | 24 | 11 | 5 | 53 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||