The Pittsburgh Penguins sixth preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets saw many players make their cases for limited roster spots. In the Penguins’ penultimate preseason game against the Blue Jackets, there were a few notable performances, as well as players who struggled. With only one preseason game remaining, the Penguins are nearly out of time to figure out their roster. With final cuts looming, this game was crucial for many players. This article breaks down a couple of players that impressed, and some that struggled in the Penguins’ 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets.
Impressed
Valtteri Puustinen
Valtteri Puustinen had an impressive game vying for a bottom-six role on the Penguins roster. Coming off a five-goal, 20-point rookie season, Puustinen is in an intense race with a group of forwards fighting for limited spots in the lineup. Against the Blue Jackets, Puustinen’s offensive instincts and two-way ability were on full display. With a goal and +1 rating, Puustinen played a solid two-way game.
With just one preseason game left, Puustinen will need to keep pushing to lock down a bottom-six spot. He has shown an ability to produce offence while playing responsible defensive hockey. Being a quick, agile winger, Puustinen could be a valuable option for the Penguins. Games like this one against the Blue Jackets puts him in a strong position to achieve a spot on the NHL roster.
Tristan Jarry
The goaltender had an outstanding game between the pipes, stopping 33 shots in 34 games for a .971 save percentage. His calm demeanour in net helped the Penguins play their style of game while staying competitive against Columbus’ A roster. Key saves on some high-danger scoring chances were vital in keeping this game close, especially when the Penguins were outshot 34-23.
Jarry’s strong showing was an encouraging sign following the end of last season. Jarry lost his starting role to back-up Alex Nedeljkovic down the stretch as the Penguins pushed for the playoffs. However, Jarry is signed for four more years at an average annual value of $5.375 million. Being a well-paid goaltender, the Penguins need Jarry to perform well later in the season when the pressure is heightened.
Struggled
Owen Pickering
Former first-round pick Owen Pickering had a tough outing in this game. Although his physical play was decent, Pickering often looked unsure in his decision-making. He struggled with making quick pivots and reading plays in both zones. While his potential to grow into an NHL-level defenceman is apparent, Pickering will need to continue to develop the mental aspects of his game.
Pickering should use this season in the AHL to grow his confidence and refine his skills. With many offensive players like Ville Koivunen and Tristan Broz expected to play with Wilkes-Barre, Pickering has a lion’s share of offensive players to dish the puck to. With some more experience, he’ll look to grow into a strong option for the Penguins’ blue line in the near future.
Emil Bemstrom
Emil Bemstrom continued a disappointing preseason as he once again failed to produce much on either end of the ice. Failing to show up on the score sheet, Bemstrom was also a minus-1 and did not create many scoring chances. Bemstrom was already a fringe-level forward, making this lack of production potentially the last nail in the coffin for his chances at an NHL roster spot. Kyle Dubas acquired Bemstrom near the middle of last season hoping for depth scoring, but Bemstrom has failed to find his footing in Pittsburgh. His lack of impact throughout this preseason has made him expendable.
Notably, Bemstrom is not on the roster for the Pittsburgh Penguin’s final preseason game, which seems to be a dress rehearsal for opening night. This would suggest that Bemstrom is not part of the Penguin’s plans at the NHL level.
What It Means
With just one preseason game remaining, the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to finalizing their roster for the start of the season. Players like Valtteri Puustinen and Jesse Puljujärvi have made excellent cases to make the NHL. Meanwhile, players like Bemstrom may have played their way into a spot on the AHL roster. Tristan Jarry has gotten some good practice this preseason as well. His performance against the Blue Jackets is encouraging going into the beginning of this season.
As the Penguins prepare for their final game of the preseason, the battles for some spots on the roster are coming right down to the wire. Both good and bad performances through these preseason games have given the coaching staff a lot to think about heading into the start of the 2024-25 season.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
