BUFFALO — The Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0) had just one more preseason game. One more chance for some of the players on the outside of the likely roster construction to make their case, one more chance for the established veterans to get into game rhythm, and a chance for goalie Arturs Silovs to settle into game action before the season.
By all accounts, all missions accomplished, and the Penguins beat Buffalo 3-1 at KeyBank Center. Saturday.
The Penguins’ top line with Sidney Crosby, Nick Robertson and Rickard Rakell scored a pair of goals, one of which counted when Tommy Novak snapped a stretch pass to Crosby, who blasted a slap shot from the left circle past Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen at 9:00 of the first period. The other goal, a net-front stuff by Rickard Rakell in the second period, was ruled narrowly offside after a video challenge.
Nonetheless, the first line looked ready for Game 1, Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Adhering to the new league rule that veterans can play only two preseason games, the Penguins needed a couple of their B-group players to fill out the roster. Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz, both of whom are likely headed down to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the coming days, were in the lineup.
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.
However, one note: winger Bryan Rust left the game in the second period. Initial indications are that Rust’s absence was more than a simple precaution, but the exact nature of the injury remains unspecified.
Without Rust, the forward lines were less predictable and shuffled through the 11 remaining players.
The Penguins’ second goal came from the stick of another under-24 player fighting for a roster spot, Ville Koivunen, who completed a sequence he started with a sharp pass to Hendrix Lapierre, then chipped a loose puck past Luukkonen at 10:56 of the second period.
Penguins Report Card
Some of the grades are on the preseason curve based on objectives.
Top Line: A
They didn’t need to be great, just in sync. It was the best performance thus far for the newly created line with Nick Robertson. Crosby and Rakell still have a unique chemistry, but Robertson was more involved and would have assisted on Rakell’s nullified goal.
Robertson also saw his first penalty-kill action. He was solid, quick to the pucks, and was just fine in the few opportunities. He also scored the empty-net goal with 1:05 remaining.
Evgeni Malkin: A
Another veteran finding his timing, Malkin was dancing with the puck.
Hendrix Lapierre: A
Lapierre got his first real chance to shine in the preseason, and he was a standout on Saturday. As the third-line center, he showed responsibility in the defensive zone, good speed with the puck, and drove the third line well, including setting up Koivunen’s goal.
After two periods, the third line had a 7-4 Corsi advantage and three high-danger chances.
Ville Koivunen: B
It was Koivunen’s best game. He made a couple of slick plays, but he also lost a couple of offensive zone wall battles quickly and decisively. Overall, he had two shots on goal, one miss, and one from high in the zone that was easily blocked.
Most importantly, he looked like he belonged, but you’ll know when you’re seeing his A game when he starts being physical.
Sam Girard: A
Girard is so much better when he’s the primary puck-driver on the pairing. He’s actually quite good. On a nonsensical goal overturn, he commanded the top of the zone and fired a good shot on UPL, which Tommy Novak finished on the rebound (but Toronto overturned it due to goalie interference…despite Novak neither being in the crease nor contacting Luukkonen of his own volition).
Rutger McGroarty: A
It would have been easy for the ripening prospect to sulk after being bounced to the pending-cuts practice group. However, he instead played a strong game. He skated the puck with speed several times, creating offensive opportunities. He created some of those breakouts and rushes with defensive work.
McGroarty delivered a golden opportunity in transition to Lappierre midway through the third period. Lappierre was unabated to the net (but goalie Colten Ellis, who replaced Luukkonen early in the period, made the save).
There was just a lot to like. IF…if Rust is out, McGroarty’s fortune could change.
Arturs Silovs: A+
The Arty Party was very good. He made a plethora—yes, a plethora—of tough saves. Yes, he was quite rough in his first preseason start, but as bad as he was in allowing seven goals on 23 shots, he was that good Saturday. No juicy rebounds, and he held his ground on high-grade scoring chances.
Lightning Round
Declan Carlile: He’ll be just fine with Karlsson. He’s got a bit more snarl than you might realize. He made some good outlet passes, and a couple of sharp stretch passes, too.
Filip Hallander: Sturdy. Hallander was involved in the play at all times and played a physically strong game.
Erik Karlsson: It was obviously his first preseason action. He was an adventure in the first period, but just fine after that.
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