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.
