Gameday: Pens vs. Blue Jackets x2
Game 1:
Columbus vs. Pittsburgh 1PM ET
In the first game of the split squad schedule, the Pens host the Blue Jackets in PPG Paints Arena. In this game, Mike Vellucci will coach the squad, while Mike Sullivan evaluates personnel from the press box, with Ron Hextall and Brian Burke. While no official line combinations have been set for the games, the rosters for each game can be found here.
It looks as though Casey Desmith will man the crease for this tilt, while Filip Lindberg may get some net time in the latter half of the game. Many players will get a chance to prove themselves, as very few regulars are suiting up for the early game. The only regulars are Marcus Pettersson, Kasperi Kappanen, Jason Zucker, Rickard Rakell, and Teddy Blueger.
The most interesting guys to keep an eye on here will be Sam Poulin, Drew O’Connor, and Valteri Puustinen. One of these three guys could certainly make a case for the opening day roster with an impressive performance in the preseason.
I really like the decision of putting Ty Smith and Pierre-Oliver Joseph on separate rosters, so that each can make their individual claim to the final defense spot.
Game 2:
Pittsburgh vs. Columbus 7PM ET
For the second half of the schedule, the Pens travel to Nationwide Arena. If you think the first game was devoid of NHL regulars, this one may be worse. I hope you renewed your HockeyDB subscriptions because many of these names will require some background checks.
Dustin Tokarski will likely be on the ice for the anthem, while Taylor Gauthier will reside in the blue paint for the late game.
Danton Heinen rates to be the only player on this squad that is “guaranteed” a roster spot, though a few others could help their case with a noteworthy performance. As noted in the other game preview, PO Joseph will likely be the 1D in this lineup. He really could take the final spot with a good game.
Outside of that, Jack St. Ivany, Nathan Legare, Alex Nylander, and Ryan Poehling can help expand the Pens depth options with worthwhile efforts. Radim Zahorna will be in this game, as well, but I am not sure I see a clear path for him on the NHL roster. Though, he will definitely be one of their early callups, if the need arises.
Both games will be streamed on the Penguins website. While we might not hoist the Stanley Cup tonight, we at least get to watch some hockey. And I know yinz are looking for anything to distract you from the other sports teams.