"They couldn't get another flight or rent a bus?": Fans confused as Pittsburgh Penguins' team plane malfunction causes Red Wings game postponement

The Pittsburgh Penguins were forced to postpone their game on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings. The team’s plane had mechanical problems, which couldn’t be fixed in time for them to travel safely to Detroit. As a result, the game, which was supposed to take place at Little Caesars Arena, had to be called off.

The Penguins apologized for the situation in the following statement:

“Continued mechanical issues with our team plane were not able to be rectified and despite great effort, there was no method to travel to Detroit safely.”

They also expressed their regret to fans, the Red Wings and all involved in the game.

Fans reacted to the update on X.

“They couldn’t get another flight or rent a bus? But I’m glad they had issues on the ground and not in the air,” one fan tweeted.

"Better to have issues on the ground than in the air," another fan tweeted.

"Better safe than sorry. Airplanes usually tell you something is wrong in advance of takeoff and it’s always good not to tempt fate." a fan tweeted.

Many disappointed fans, especially those already at the arena in Detroit, also reacted to the update.

"lmfao imagine being at the game and the other team just doesn’t show up," a fan tweeted.

"If only there was some other way. Like another plane. Like if you had one plane that's broke... and then you look at the airport, and you see other planes. What happens when you don't take the one plane, that's broken, and you take another one? What then?" A fan tweeted.

"Maybe travel a little earlier next time? Pretty embarrassing to have fans spend money and be in the building only to figure out your team didn’t travel in time," one fan tweeted.

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Pittsburgh Penguins will continue their preseason schedule

Having postponed their game against the Detroit Red Wings, the Pittsburgh Penguins will continue their preseason schedule. They are still set to play the Ottawa Senators on Sunday in Sudbury, Ontario, as part of the NHL’s Kraft Hockeyville game. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The postponed game with the Red Wings will now be played on Monday at 7 p.m. The Red Wings will split their squad, with some players playing in Buffalo against the Sabres on the same day.

The Penguins will adjust their travel plans to play in Sudbury and return to Detroit for the rescheduled game.