BUFFALO — The Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0) have played just one more preseason game. One more chance for some players outside the likely roster to make their point, one more chance for established veterans to get into the rhythm of the game, and one more chance for goalie Arturs Silovs to settle into the game ahead of the season.
Clearly, all missions were accomplished and the Penguins beat Buffalo 3-1 at KeyBank Center. SATURDAY.
The Penguins’ top line of Sidney Crosby, Nick Robertson and Rickard Rakell scored two goals, including one that scored when Tommy Novak threw a wide pass to Crosby, who fired a slap shot from the left circle past Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen at 9:00 of the first period. The other goal, a Rickard Rakell goal in front of the net in the second period, was ruled offside shortly after a video challenge.
Nevertheless, the first trio seemed ready for the first game on Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Adhering to the league’s new rule that veterans can only play two preseason games, the Penguins needed a few Group B players to fill out the roster. Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz, both of whom will likely head to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the coming days, were on the roster.
Building on their success against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third preseason game, both performed well, but especially McGroarty, as the puck seemed to follow him.
One note, however: winger Bryan Rust left the game in the second period. Early indications suggest that Rust’s absence was more than just a precaution, but the exact nature of the injury remains undetermined.
Without Rust, the forward lines were less predictable and split between the remaining 11 players.
The Penguins’ second goal came off the stick of another under-24 player fighting for a spot on the team, Ville Koivunen, who completed a sequence he started with a precise pass to Hendrix Lapierre, then fired a loose puck past Luukkonen at 10:56 of the second period.
Penguin Newsletter
Certain notes appear on the pre-season curve depending on the objectives.
Top line: A
They didn’t have to be great, just in sync. This is the best performance so far for the newly created line with Nick Robertson. Crosby and Rakell still have unique chemistry, but Robertson was more involved and would have assisted on Rakell’s canceled goal.
Robertson also saw his first action on the penalty kill. He was solid, quick with the puck and performed very well on the few occasions. He also scored the empty-net goal with 1:05 left.
Evgeny Malkin: A
Another veteran finding his timing, Malkin danced with the puck.
Hendrix Lapierre: A
Lapierre got his first real chance to shine during the preseason, and he stood out on Saturday. As the third line center, he showed responsibility in the defensive zone, good speed with the puck and led the third line well, including setting up Koivunen’s goal.
After two periods, the third line had a 7-4 advantage over Corsi and three high-danger chances.
City Koivunen: B
This was Koivunen’s best match. He made some nifty plays, but he also lost a few offensive zone wall battles quickly and decisively. In total, he had two shots on goal, one missed and one from high in the area which was easily blocked.
More importantly, he looked like he fit in, but you’ll know when you see his A game when he starts getting physical.
Sam Girard: One
Girard is so much better when he is the primary puck driver of the duo. It’s actually pretty good. On an absurd goal turnover, he commanded the top of the zone and fired a good shot at UPL, which Tommy Novak finished off the rebound (but Toronto knocked it down due to goaltender interference…although Novak was neither in the crease nor contacting Luukkonen of his own volition).
Rutger McGroarty: One
It would have been easy for the maturation candidate to sulk after being sent back to the waiting cup practice group. However, he played a pretty solid match. He skated the puck with speed on several occasions, creating offensive opportunities. He created some of those breakouts and rushes through defensive work.
McGroarty created a golden opportunity in transition to Lappierre midway through the third period. Lappierre didn’t falter in front of the net (but goaltender Colten Ellis, who replaced Luukkonen at the start of the period, made the save).
There was just a lot to like. IF…if Rust is out, McGroarty’s fortunes could change.
Arturs Silovs: A+
The Arty evening was very good. He made a plethora – yes, a plethora – of difficult saves. Yes, he was pretty rough in his first preseason start, but as bad as he was allowing seven goals on 23 shots, he was just as good Saturday. No juicy rebounds, and he held his own on high-quality scoring chances.
Lightning Tower
Declan Carlile: He will go very well with Karlsson. It has a little more grunt than you might think. He made some good outlet passes, as well as some tight passes.
Filip Hallander: Robust. Hallander was involved in the game at all times and played a physically strong match.
Erik Karlsson: It was obviously his first pre-season action. It was an adventure in the first half, but very good afterwards.
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