Struggling Penguins recall Sprong

Fresh off a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Daniel Sprong from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The 20-year-old recorded a hat trick in the AHL on Friday, bringing his goal total to 18 through 29 games, good for a share of second in the minor league.

Drafted 46th overall in 2015, Sprong's offensive talents are unquestioned. He was sent to the AHL to begin the season to hone his all-around game.

The Penguins, however, currently find themselves outside the playoff picture after Friday's 2-1 loss to Carolina, and rank 21st with a goals per game average of 2.77.

Sprong appeared in 18 games for the Penguins in 2015, scoring two goals.