As the preseason finally draws to a close, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ front office will have some very difficult decisions to make heading into the weekend.
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On Friday, the Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 7-3, in their final preseason game. Lars Eller and Noel Acciari each scored twice, and Rutger McGroarty, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Rickard Rakell (PPG) added goals for the Penguins as well.
There was a lot to like about this performance, particularly from some of the guys seemingly fighting for their shot at a roster spot.
Here are my observations and reactions from this game:
– The Penguins’ third line was easily the best of the night, and it wasn’t particularly close.
They scored just 11 seconds apart in the second period. First, Puljujarvi made a nasty move on a breakaway after a beautiful long pass from Eller. Then, McGroarty scored his first preseason goal from the slot off a perfect feed from Puljujarvi.
Eller added a tally later off the rush, and he scored again in the third period after McGroarty made a spectacular diving pass to Puljujarvi, who set him up in front of the net.
The line combined for four even-strength goals and ten points.
All three forwards were masterful tonight. I know the Penguins have some tough decisions to make, but Puljujarvi has to be a lock at this point.
And honestly? I can’t see how you come away from this game and send McGroarty to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Given his waiver exemption, that’s his likely destination, barring injuries. But he deserves a spot on this roster. He’s NHL-ready now, and he showed that tonight.
If this can be the Penguins’ third line during the regular season – and they do the kinds of things they did tonight – they’re going to be a massive problem for other teams.
– There was a nice tic-tac-toe goal from Cody Glass to Kevin Hayes to Acciari in the first period. I could see that being a pretty decent fourth line for the Penguins, at least until Lizotte returns. I like what I’ve seen from all of them.
However, Acciari has, no doubt, been the standout. If the average hockey fan looks solely at his preseason, one might think he’s bidding for a Rocket Richard Trophy this season.
But even if he doesn’t take it that far, him showing capability on the offensive side of the puck would be a huge development for the Penguins.
“When he has the ability to produce offensively and chip in offensively like he has throughout the course of this preseason, that’s a welcome…