The Pittsburgh Penguins fifth preseason game against the Red Wings intensified the battle for roster spots as players made their cases. The Pittsburgh Penguins continued their run of preseason games with a tightly contested matchup against the Detroit Red Wings ending in a 2-1 loss. Despite the loss and tight score, there were a few bright spots for the team. With the regular season fast approaching, it is time for head coach Mike Sullivan and his team to begin pencilling players in for the regular season roster, meaning each of these performances mean a lot for players battling for an NHL roster spot.
Pittsburgh Penguins Preseason Game Five Impressions
Impressed
Harrison Brunicke
One of the Penguins 2024 second-round picks Harrison Brunicke has been a big surprise throughout training camp. He notched an assist on the Penguins only goal while consistently creating offensive opportunities as a blueliner. Despite being one of the youngest players at camp, Brunicke has shown poise well beyond his age. His calm decision-making with and without the puck has allowed him to contribute at both ends of the ice.
Brunicke’s offensive instincts were on full display. As a big right-shot defenceman, Brunicke highlighted his ability to use his frame through multiple checks throughout the game. His defensive game was stellar against the Red Wings, as he was efficient in shutting down opposing talent. His solid two-way play may have earned the young defenceman a nine-game tryout at the NHL level, especially with Erik Karlsson questionable to start the season. Whether Brunicke is able to crack the NHL roster for a spell or not, his performance against Detroit has given Penguins fans a lot to look forward to.
Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell looked energized throughout the game, scoring the Penguins only goal. He was successful in generating more scoring chances throughout the game as well. Rakell has struggled over the past few seasons with the Penguins following a trade from the Anaheim Ducks. As the team looks for him to bounce back, his preseason performance so far has been promising. Slotted back in with Evgeni Malkin and Michael Bunting to start the season, Rakell is in a terrific spot to regain his previous form as a goal scorer.
Rakell’s speed and poise to start preseason has been evident. His chemistry with Malkin and Bunting on the second line was a revelation for the Penguins down the stretch last season, and carrying that over into this season could support Rakell in regaining his form as a goal scorer.
Struggled
Cody Glass
Cody Glass continued to struggle in finding his footing with the Penguins against Detroit. Despite playing in a depth role with Kevin Hayes, Glass failed to produce much offensively or create many chances. Although his defensive game was solid, the Penguins need more offence from their bottom six. With limited time left in the preseason, Glass needs to elevate his game to secure a bottom-six spot on the roster. Thus far, he has been largely ineffective in this role.
Glass has shown he has the tools to succeed in a bottom-six role but needs to focus on putting his tools together in a meaningful way. With players like Rutger McGroarty, Blake Lizotte and Jesse Puljujarvi pushing for valuable ice time, Glass’s inability to produce is concerning.
Anthony Beauvillier
Anthony Beauvillier once again failed to make much of a significant impact in the preseason even with extended playing time with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust. While known for his speed and energy, Beauvillier has struggled to convert these tools into production. Against Detroit, Beauvillier acted as a water bug but was unable to generate much offensively.
Beauvillier is in direct competition with Drew O’Connor for the top spot on Crosby’s wing, and his performance thus far has been underwhelming in camp. With players like O’Connor making a case for the top spot, and players like Puljujärvi pushing for bottom six spots, Beauvillier risks being the odd man out on this roster.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Penguins fifth preseason game may not have gone in their favour, but it provided valuable insight into which players are ready to step up and which ones need more work on their game. Draft pick Harrison Brunicke’s standout play continues to raise his profile as a potential surprise member of the NHL roster. Meanwhile, Rickard Rakell looks ready to build on the chemistry he established with Evgeni Malkin and Michael Bunting on the second line. Contrastingly, Cody Glass and Anthony Beauvillier both need to step up their play quickly, as time is running out for them to prove their worth over many other players pushing for roster spots.
With preseason winding down, the competition for the opening lineup’s roster spots is intensifying. With just two games left in the preseason, Head Coach Mike Sullivan has some decisions to make for this Penguins roster.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
