In the Pittsburgh Penguins second game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings, they start their winning ways with a 6-3 offensive explosion. The Pittsburgh Penguins were hoping to bounce back from a tough 6-0 loss to the New York Rangers in the season opener. Despite a shaky start in the first where the Red Wings jumped out to a 13-4 shot differential and 1-0 lead, the team was able to turn the game around in the second with a strong offensive performance. The game featured several standout performances from players looking to cement themselves in the Penguins lineup. This article analyzes the Penguins that have impressed early on through the preseason, and now two games in the real season.
Those Who Impressed in the Start of the Pittsburgh Penguins Season and Anthony Beauvillier
Free agent signing Anthony Beauvillier is making the most out of his opportunity in Pittsburgh. Following a tough preseason, Beauvillier was a bright spot in the Penguins losing efforts against the Rangers. Filling in for Bryan Rust on the top line with Sidney Crosby, Beauvillier stepped up and delivered in this game. His ability to generate offence through his speed was on full display. Finding the open areas of the ice, Beauvillier scored two goals against the Wings. With Rust sidelined, Beauvillier has the opportunity to cement himself in the Penguins lineup in a top-six role. As he is a player that’s bounced around from team to team, finding a stable home in Pittsburgh is likely a top prioity for the forward. He has quickly began to develop chemistry with Sidney Crosby, and his aggressive forechecking adds another element to his game that compliments the Penguins captain. Beauvillier’s play in this game helps silence his doubters. If he is able to continue this play, he’ll have no problem sticking around in Pittsburgh.
Joel Blomqvist versus the Detroit Red Wings
Making his first career NHL start, goaltender Joel Blomqvist was outstanding in goal for the Penguins. He made 29 saves on 32 shots en route to his first NHL win. In the first period, the Penguins were being thoroughly outplayed and outshot by the Red Wings. Following an early goal, Blomqvist stood tall to keep his team in the game. Facing a barrage of 13 shots to the Penguins four, Blomqvist made several key saves preventing the Red Wings from taking a larger lead. He remained composed under pressure, tracking the puck and making crucial saves in high-danger chances. His performance was a stark difference compared to Tristan Jarry the previous night. The Penguins faced a similar barrage in the first against the Rangers. By the end of the first, Jarry had allowed three goals, completely deflating the Penguins team. Blomqvist’s calm play gave Pittsburgh some room to recollect their game and gain some confidence against the Red Wings. This paid off for Blomqvist and the Penguins in the second when the Penguins offence exploded for four goals.
Drew O’Connor
Drew O’Connor continues to build off from a strong 2023-24 season. He had an impressive game in Detroit, scoring one goal and having another disallowed. More than just producing offence, O’Connor’s versatility was a highlight. O’Connor has previously thrived on the top line with Crosby, and in a third-line role with players like Lars Eller. However, O’Connor was electric on the second line with Evgeni Malkin as well. Finding this chemistry leading to multiple goals gives the coaching staff much more flexibility in the lineup.
800 apples for Evgeni Malkin! 🍎
Congrats Geno on reaching this incredible milestone! #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/MGqonFOMbk
— NHL (@NHL) October 11, 2024
Whether he’s playing a top-line role or anywhere else in the top nine, O’Connor’s speed and offensive instincts are becoming crucial in creating scoring chances. His ability to contribute anywhere in the lineup gives the Penguins an incredible option in all situations.
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson had a great game against the Red Wings, recording a goal and an assist. As a note, with Malkin’s assist on Karlsson goal, it was the 800th assist of Malkin’s Hall-of-Fame career. Moreover, this was an important game for Karlsson to have early on in the season following an injury that kept him out of the preseason. Despite some struggles in the first with puck-movement and decision-making, Karlsson bounced back later in the game. His offensive instincts led to an assist in the second on the O’Connor goal, as well as a power play goal himself in the third. Karlsson’s offensive instincts led to a solid performance for the Penguins star as he was a key figure to the Penguin’s offence in this game. Going forward, Karlsson continuing to produce at this rate will be key to the Penguins as they look to return to the playoffs.
Conclusion for the Pittsburgh Penguins 2024-25 Season Start
The Pittsburgh Penguins showed resilience in their second game of the season against Detroit. A sluggish start turned into a much-improved second. Rookie Joel Blomqvist’s fantastic first was key in ensuring the Penguins were not down by too much following a tough start to the game. Anthony Beauvillier found himself in an incredible position multiple times in the second to put the Penguins ahead, while Drew O’Connor proved his ability to play anywhere in the Penguins lineup. This win is a great game to build off of as the Penguins will push to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in three years. Their name game is sure to be an entertaining one on Saturday night in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports
