With many spots on the roster still waiting to be filled, this year’s preseason is playing an important role for the Pittsburgh Penguins. In their first game, the organization fell 7-3 to the Buffalo Sabres. While the score was not favourable for the Pittsburgh Penguins first preseason game, some players impressed, while others fell short of some early expectations. Battling a nearly complete Buffalo Sabres roster, the Penguins team filled with mainly AHL-level talent highlighted players that need to improve, and some that could impress.
The Top and Bottom Performers from Preseason Game One
Impressed
Jesse Puljujärvi
The former fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujärvi battled hard against the Sabres. Playing for a spot in the NHL, Puljujärvi made a significant statement, scoring a hattrick against the Sabres. His speed and decision-making were on full display, with “dirty” goals like his first of the game showcasing an impressive willingness to play in front of the opposing goal. Additionally, the Finnish forward threw around his 6’4 frame, hitting Sabres players left and right.
With many spots open in the bottom six, especially on the wings, this was the kind of performance needed from Puljujärvi. The organization has a dearth of wingers such as Cody Glass and Anthony Beauvillier fighting for these spots, so games like this one help Puljujärvi’s offensive abilities stand out. Beyond just scoring and hitting, Puljujärvi was effective as a forechecker and showed some two-way ability. If he can consistently perform well defensively and show some offensive flair, Puljujärvi could be looking at a bottom-six wing spot on the roster.
Tristan Broz
Former second-round pick Tristan Broz continues to develop consistently. Although he may not yet be NHL-ready, Broz has set himself up for a standout season at the AHL level. Broz’s playmaking was crisp, and he looked to be comfortable handling the puck against NHL level talent. His intelligence was evident, as he made quick decisions to create opportunities for his linemates. With his playmaking on display, Broz assisted on two of Puljujärvi’s goals against the Sabres.
Broz may not be ready for the NHL, but his chemistry with potential AHL linemates builds some hope for the Wilkes-Barre team. Potential linemates such as Vasiliy Ponomarev, Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty all got time with Broz in the game as well. Tristan Broz’s growth as a player thus far has been promising. The Penguins organization will look forward to his continued growth in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he will play as a top six centre for the team. With continued growth, Broz could push for an NHL spot next season.
Disappointed
Ryan Graves
Ryan Graves’ game against the Buffalo Sabres was far from ideal. Although Graves was arguably the most established NHL-level player on this Pittsburgh Penguins preseason roster, he was frequently outworked by the Sabres forward group. His decision-making lacked efficiency. Additionally, Graves’ positioning led him to be on the ice for multiple goals against, with his defensive play lacking throughout the game.
In the 2023 off-season, Kyle Dubas gave Graves a substantial 6-year contract at an average annual value of $4.5 million. With this deal, the organization needs him to be a steady defensive presence in the top four. Instead, Graves’ first season with the Penguins was disappointing, and he ended the season playing on the bottom pair. Graves played well with the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils prior to his arrival in Pittsburgh. He has shown that he has the skills to play a top four role alongside Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson. Although preseason results aren’t an end all be all, his poor start is disappointing for a defenceman in desperate need of a bounce-back season.
Joel Blomqvist
Goaltender Joel Blomqvist is coming off a strong AHL season last year. The former second-round pick went 25-12-6 with an impressive .921 save percentage last season with the Penguins farm team. With high expectations, Blomqvist wilted against the Sabres. The young goaltender allowed six goals on 24 shots, with just a .750 save percentage. Although the Penguins have high hopes for Blomqvist, fellow young goaltender Sergei Murashov will be pushing for minutes behind Blomqvist in the AHL.
This performance was a far cry from what Blomqvist has shown he is capable of thus far in his career. Consistency is key and will play a large role in Blomqvist’s progression this upcoming season. While Blomqvist plays well, there are concerns with rebound control that were on display against the Sabres. However, Blomqvist is still considered a young goaltender with the potential to develop into an NHL-calibre goaltender in the future. He’ll have to be far more ready for the remaining preseason games he factors into. As the Penguin’s best goaltending prospect, there will be a lot of attention on his performance going forward.
Conclusion
While the preseason opener against Buffalo did not go the Pittsburgh Penguins way, there were some bright spots to highlight. Jesse Puljujärvi’s hattrick acts as a statement for the forward trying to establish himself in the NHL. Meanwhile, centre Tristan Broz is setting himself up for an incredible season in the AHL. However, with a 7-3 loss, there were some players that the Penguins need more from. Ryan Graves was unable to get off on the right foot starting the preseason and will need to be better going forward. Meanwhile, Joel Blomqvist’s performance shows that although he is a great prospect, he still needs more time playing with the baby Penguins this season. With many spots left open throughout the lineup, these preseason games will continue to offer crucial insights into which players will step-up and which ones need more time and development.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
