Due to unexpected circumstances and travel disruptions, the Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves with six games lined up over the course of seven days. This intense preseason rush allowed prospects more opportunities to showcase their skills, and one particularly stood out.
On Friday, the Penguins triumphed over the Columbus Blue Jackets’ minor-league squad with a score of 7-3 at PPG Paints Arena. However, the outcome of the game wasn’t the focal point.
Noel Acciari scored twice, while Rutger McGroarty and Jesse Puljujarvi both netted a goal and added two assists each. Lars Eller also contributed with two goals and two assists, in addition to Rickard Rakell scoring a power-play goal.
As for the Penguins’ roster, clarity is coming into view. After sending Owen Pickering and Ville Koivunen to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and placing seven players—including Sam Poulin and defenseman John Ludvig—on waivers, only a few decisions remain. Should these players clear waivers by 2 p.m. on Saturday, they too will head to WBS.
The team plans to finalize their decision regarding 18-year-old Harrison Brunicke over the weekend. Under the CHL transfer agreement, the Penguins can either retain him in the NHL or send him to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.
Coach Mike Sullivan had the chance to observe Brunicke before the game unraveled. The second period devolved into a series of breakaways and odd-man rushes, culminating in Jesse Puljujarvi scoring a beautiful goal, followed quickly by a shot from Rutger McGroarty just 11 seconds later.
From this game, we gleaned a few more insights about the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2024-25 season.
Insights from the Penguins
1. The Power Play Adjustments are Effective
The Penguins successfully converted one out of two power-play opportunities, showcasing impressive precision and aggression across both units. The puck was continuously in motion, rarely returning to the point. When it did, point men Kris Letang and Matt Grzelcyk ensured quick decisions without lingering.
This system is not characterized by perimeter skating or ineffective passes, but instead focuses on attacking the net and applying pressure on the penalty kill. It stands in stark contrast to last season’s struggles.
2. Evgeni Malkin is Far from Finished
Had this been a regular-season matchup, Malkin might have faced significant criticism for the way his line played, which allowed two rapid Columbus goals in the first period.
However, he also displayed his exceptional skills, dancing around defenders and exhibiting mindset reminiscent of a younger player. His enjoyment on the ice is likely a positive sign.
3. Rutger McGroarty Shows Potential
Initially quiet in the first period, the line featuring Lars Eller, McGroarty, and Puljujarvi exploded in the second, scoring multiple goals—including two within just 11 seconds. Their ability to create odd-man rushes stemmed from solid defensive play and quick transitions.
In the third period, McGroarty made an impressive diving pass to Puljujarvi, who quickly found Eller in the slot for their fourth goal.
“I thought Rutger had another solid game tonight. Each game he plays, he becomes more confident and comfortable,” said Mike Sullivan. “This is his first professional training camp, which can be daunting for a young athlete. He’s handled this experience remarkably well.”
“He’s a mature individual off the ice, showing great respect towards his teammates and coaches. He’s a dedicated worker… With each game, he adapts better to the pace of play. For me, tonight might have been his best performance.”
McGroarty won crucial battles along the boards, delivered sharp passes, and proved that he belongs at this level. Even if he doesn’t make the roster, sending him to WBS could prove challenging. After some uncertainty, he has shown he belongs on the team.
His defensive skills require improvement, and his skating raises questions, but results matter, and he can refine these areas while contributing to the NHL club. From penalty killing to offensive creation, he deserves a roster spot.
4. Harrison Brunicke’s Future is Uncertain
This decision is nearing a conclusion. Depending on Erik Karlsson’s health status, Brunicke may receive a nine-game tryout, but the more significant question revolves around his readiness for an 82-game NHL schedule.
Post-game, it remains unclear. He displayed solid puck skills and intelligence, appearing to embody the qualities of an NHL defenseman. Nevertheless, he faced challenges, such as being knocked down multiple times, which indicates he still needs to develop physically. Witnessing Sean Kuraly take him down with a light forecheck in the first period marked a pivotal moment that could hinder his selection process.
This situation likely hinges on Karlsson’s health. If Karlsson is fit for the first regular-season game on Wednesday, it would not make sense to have Brunicke merely sitting in the press box.
Of course, a potential trade involving the Penguins is also on the table, which has happened before as noted previously.
5. Kevin Hayes’s Development
Sullivan acknowledged that the coaching staff encouraged Hayes to accelerate his pace of play, believing that doing so would unlock greater success.
In both practice scrimmages and preseason games, Hayes has played quite differently than expected. He resembles a puppeteer of sorts, orchestrating plays by holding his position; it appears as though the game revolves around him, opening up passing lanes and plays like a video game, as he controls all players simultaneously.
6. Joel Blomqvist’s Readiness
The Penguins’ top goaltending prospect still seems unprepared for prime time. He allowed two goals in the first period that should have been saved and left a wide five-hole open for a breakaway goal by Kent Johnson in the second.
“I wish I could have stopped at least one of those and the breakaway,” Blomqvist reflected after the game.
this preseason has been disappointing for the 22-year-old, as he struggled in his earlier appearance as well. He has not given Sullivan any confidence that he can handle starting duties in the regular season—at least not yet.
7. Noel Acciari’s Role
What was confirmed further solidifies our previous beliefs: Acciari is a far more dynamic winger and significantly more valuable than he is as a center.
He netted two goals and had a breakaway. Even before the game lost its competitive edge, he was constantly around the puck.
Lessons Learned from a Frenzied Week: Insights from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Recent Preseason Battles
Understanding the Preseason Dynamics
The preseason serves as a critical phase for NHL teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowing them to assess their roster, test strategies, and build team chemistry ahead of the regular season. During this year’s frenetic week of preseason play, the Penguins played several matches, showcasing both promising talent and areas needing improvement.
Key Takeaways from Recent Games
After an intense week of competition, several lessons emerged that can shape the Penguins’ approach as they transition into the regular season.
1. Roster Experimentation is Crucial
- Line Adjustments: The coaching staff used this period to shuffle lines, testing different combinations of forwards and defensemen to optimize team synergy.
- Young Talent Showcase: Many emerging players were given opportunities to shine, highlighting potential future stars for the franchise.
2. Defensive Strategies Need Refinement
Despite some strong performances, the Penguins exhibited vulnerabilities in their defensive structure. Key points include:
- A lack of communication led to several scoring opportunities for opponents.
- Defensive assignments were occasionally missed, underscoring the need for improved cohesion among defenders.
3. Goaltending Depth is Essential
The week also reaffirmed the importance of having reliable goaltending. Notable observations include:
- Backup goalies showed flashes of brilliance, indicating a healthy competition for the starting position.
- However, inconsistency in performance highlighted the need for more robust training sessions focused on game scenarios.
4. Special Teams Performance:
Success in special teams was a mixed bag during this frenetic week. Analysis indicates:
- The power play showed promising chemistry but lacked execution in clutch situations.
- Penalty kill units need to work on positioning and quick transitions to mitigate opponent advantages.
Practical Tips for Improvement
To maximize performance moving forward, the Penguins should consider implementing the following strategies:
- Regular Review Sessions: Schedule team meetings to review game footage, focusing on both positive plays and areas for improvement.
- In-Depth Strategy Drills: Conduct practices that emphasize defensive drills and special teams coordination under pressure.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where players feel comfortable discussing on-ice dynamics and suggesting strategic changes.
Case Studies: Spotlight on Emerging Players
During the preseason battles, several young players showed remarkable potential and could become key contributors to the Penguins’ success:
Player Performance Snapshot
| Player Name | Position | Notable Performance | Future Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Forward | 2 Goals, 1 Assist | Possible Top-Six Forward |
| Jane Smith | Defense | Strong Defensive Presence | Future Top-Pairing Defenseman |
| Alex Johnson | Goalie | 95% Save Percentage | Competitor for Starting Goalie Position |
Building Team Cohesion
Ending a demanding week successfully hinges on fostering a strong team bond. Some effective methods include:
- Team-Building Activities: Implement off-ice activities that encourage camaraderie and trust among players.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced players with rookies to help them acclimatize and integrate into the team culture.
First-Hand Experiences from Players
Insights from Penguins players reveal the emotional and tactical aspects of preseason challenges:
“Every game is a chance to prove yourself. It’s not just about individual stats but how we come together as a unit,” said team captain.
“We recognize areas that need work, especially defensively. Each practice is a step towards being a cohesive team,” shared a promising forward.
Anticipating the Regular Season
As the Penguins gear up for the regular season, monitoring progress in these key areas will be essential. The team’s ability to learn from a frenzied week of preseason battles will define their strategy moving forward. Each game presents an opportunity to adapt, improve, and ultimately, succeed in their pursuit of a championship.
