Preseason Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena for what will be the final preseason game for each team. The Penguins will be starting their NHL roster for this game, minus the goaltenders, while Columbus will play a mix of AHL and NHL rosters. This is the final opportunity for players to make their mark and prove to their respective coaches that they deserve to be in the lineup for opening night, so expect a hard-fought battle of a game.

The Penguins are looking to finish the preseason above .500, as they are currently 3-3, while the Blue Jackets are currently 4-3 so far. The Penguins defeated the Blue Jackets, 3-1

Penguins Roster

Forwards: Rutger McGroarty, Michael Bunting, Drew O’Connor, Kevin Hayes, Boko Imama, Jesse Puljujarvi, Cody Glass, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari, Rickard Rakell, Evgeni Malkin, Anthony Beauvillier, Sidney Crosby

Defensemen: Jack St. Ivany, Matt Grzelcyk, Sebastian Aho, Ryan Graves, Marcus Pettersson, Harrison Brunicke, Kris Letang

Goalies: Joel Blomqvist, Filip Larsson

Blue Jackets Roster

Forwards: Cole Sillinger, Sean Kuraly, Owen Sillinger, Dylan Gambrell, Adam Fantilli, Mathieu Olivier, Hunter McKown, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Luca Del Bel Belluz, James Malatesta, Mikael Pyyhtia, Kent Johnson

Defensemen: Jake Christiansen, Denton Mateychuk, Jordan Harris, Cole Clayton, David Jiricek, Stanislav Svozil

Goalies: Daniil Tarasov, Jet Greaves

Player To Watch:

The player to watch for this game is Penguins forward Rutger McGroarty. It will be his final shot at trying to impress Head Coach Mike Sullivan for a spot on the opening night roster. McGroarty is likely battling Jesse Puljujarvi for a spot on the Penguins third line, and this game is likely going to be the difference maker on who gets the final spot.

The game will be available to watch on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and available to listen on 105.9 the X.

ITR 32: The Final Countdown Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they discuss everything in the world of hockey, including the Washington Capitals making two significant contract signings and the NHL Salary Cap to keep rising. John Tortorella is out of Philly, Eastern & Western Conference Roundups & More.
  1. ITR 32: The Final Countdown
  2. ITR 31: Let Them Fight
  3. ITR 30: Down The Stretch
  4. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review
  5. ITR 28: Deadline Week

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Nik Shermeto

PT ‘23 | 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 | Penguins writer for Inside The Rink | Thoughts are my own.

Leave a Reply

NHL Game Preview: Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

NHL Game Preview: Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

NHL Game Preview: Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

Read More
NHL Game Preview: Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

NHL Game Preview: Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

NHL Game Preview: Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers with Line Combinations 4/2/2025

Read More
Samoskevich scores on Montembeault

3 Takeaways From The Florida Panthers & Montreal Canadiens | 04/01/2025

Season series swept. The Cats fell 2-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens and failed to win a single game against them this season. It looked like they had the win sewn up, but a last-second goal by Montreal tied the game to send it into OT, where Suzuki ended it with a wraparound goal. […]

Read More