It has been quite some time, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight with their preseason matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Some of the more notable prospects are slated for game action this evening.
Penguins' lines/pairings at the morning skate:
— Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) September 27, 2021
Poulin-Rodrigues-Kapanen
Heinen-Boyle-Legare
Simon-Gruden-Lafferty
Almeida-Bellerive-Drozg
Joseph-Marino
Riikola-Friedman
Lee-Ruhwedel/Reilly
This isn’t exactly a star-studded lineup for the Penguins. I’m not even sure they have one available with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin out. That said, there are some things to look for. Both Sam Poulin and Nate Legare are playing with NHL caliber players. This is a good idea. I like seeing if players can sink or swim during this time of year. I want to see Poulin and Legare in every single preseason game. Learn as much as you can. You should be able to tell if they are way in over their head and if the NHL is a pipedream for this season. The good news is the Penguins seem to be following this line of logic as both Poulin and Legare will be on the top power play this evening. I like the choice to do it
First power play: Joseph, Marino, Kapanen, Legare, Poulin
— Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) September 27, 2021
Second power play: Lee, Riikola, Almeida, Simon, Rodrigues
Jody Bellerive is 22 years young and he will be looking to gain some traction in his career. This will be a big season for him. He is likely to start the season in WB/S. He had 18 points in 29 games last year. Can he get that closer to a point per game over the course of a normal length season? If he can you might see him earn a call up later in the season for injuries or on merit.
Also interesting to me is our first look at new Penguins Filip Lindberg. He had an amazing college career which culminated with a national championship this past season. There is a greater than zero chance he eventually becomes the starter for the Penguins. I look forward to seeing what he can do against professionals, not only tonight, but for the rest of the season. I really liked the signing to bring him on.
Filip Lindberg and Tristan Jarry will split the game in net tonight
— Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) September 27, 2021
We will also see Tristan Jarry for the first time since his embarrassing performance against the New York Islanders. He is going to have to have a short memory because he has no choice, but to move on and play better. Tonight will be the first step in that direction.
For those of you interested in who Columbus will be dressing for tonight, here it is.
CBJ roster at PIT for Monday:
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) September 26, 2021
D: Peeke, Harrington, Boqvist, Lehtonen, Bjorgvik-Holm, Svozil.
F: Stenlund, Hofmann, Danforth, Foudy, Dunne, Gaunce, Sillinger, Helewka, Texier, Bemstrom, Chinkhov, Mutter.
G: Berube, Greaves
Thanks for reading!