Kevin Hayes, relegated to the press box, remains more important to Penguins than ever

PITTSBURGH — The Penguins had long completed their morning skate in Raleigh, N.C. last month, but some familiar figures remained on the ice. Sidney Crosby, dealing with a knee injury, and the suspended Evgeni Malkin were getting some extra work in, and they weren’t alone.Crosby and Malkin, following a rather brutal workout, burst into laughter while standing on the red line. Standing beside them, running his mouth as only he can, was Kevin Hayes.“Man, is that guy great to be around,” Crosby said.He’s not the only one who thinks that way.