Two sent to AHL

The Penguins have returned defenseman Philip Samuelsson and winger Harry Zolnierczyk to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

Not only are the Penguins off until Friday as part of the NHL's mandated Christmas break, but they also could be getting one or more players back from injury when they play Friday at Carolina.

The team can always summon those players, or others, before Friday's game if need be.