The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their 2024-25 season being embarrassed in a 6-0 loss against their rivals, the New York Rangers. Following a preseason filled with promise, Pittsburgh struggled to find their footing early. A rough first period with 3 goals from the Rangers set the tone for the game. Although there were some bright spots from players, several key contributors underperformed, leading to an embarrassing opening game. The following players are those who impressed and struggled in the first game of the Pittsburgh Penguins season.
Penguins Who Impressed
Rutger McGroarty
Pittsburgh’s rookie acquisition Rutger McGroarty made his NHL debut on the Penguin’s third line against the Rangers. While the teams performance was lacking, McGroarty stood out on the forecheck. Notably, he did not look out of place playing against NHLers. Playing alongside Lars Eller and Jesse Puljujärvi, McGroarty’s ability to make smart passes and stay composed in tight situations were highlights of the game. Although he did not get on the scoreboard, McGroarty’s energetic playstyle helped energize the third line. Making his debut against a powerhouse team like the Rangers, McGroarty had a solid game to begin building his rookie season off of.
Anthony Beauvillier
With Bryan Rust sidelined with an injury, Anthony Beauvillier got the opportunity to play alongside Sidney Crosby on the top line. Following a lacklustre preseason, Beauvillier had a solid performance playing with Crosby. He played with energy, running a heavy forecheck and getting four shots on goal. Beauvillier’s speed allowed him to get in spots to get good offensive opportunities. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net, the kind of chances he was generating are sure to reward him sooner rather than later. With Bryan Rust out with injury, Beauvillier has a great chance to build chemistry with Crosby and Drew O’Connor on the top line of the Penguins.
Penguins Who Struggled
Tristan Jarry
Following an offseason of doubt and speculation regarding his starting role, Tristan Jarry needed a strong start to the season. Unfortunately for the Penguins’ netminder, the Rangers would spoil opening night for him. Jarry’s struggles began right in the first period. Following forechecking filled first couple of minutes, Jacob Trouba would flutter one past Jarry. Throughout the rest of the first, the Rangers would score another two goals, with a third disallowed. The Penguins would go down 3-0 after the first. Following another three goals over the next two periods, Jarry ended his night with an .854 save percentage facing 41 shots on goal. With backup Alex Nedeljkovic out injured, rookie Joel Blomqvist may have a tall task ahead of him. The Penguins will need Jarry to find his game quickly or find themselves relying on a rookie to save the beginning part of the season.
Ryan Graves
Ryan Graves continued his struggles in the Penguins debut. Following a tough preseason, Graves found himself starting on the third pairing. Paired alongside Jack St Ivany, Graves made several bad decisions leading to dangerous rushes for the Rangers. These errors were primarily made in the first period where the Rangers’ quick start was one the Penguins could not recover from. Trying to return to form as a solid defensive defenceman, Graves was caught flat-footed multiple times. Graves will need to quickly brush this game off and find his game, as his expensive contract weighs on the Penguins roster.
Conclusion
Game one of the Pittsburgh Penguins was an overwhelming disappointment. While players like Rutger McGroarty and Anthony Beauvillier showered promise, the team as a whole was disjointed. Key figures like Tristan Jarry and Ryan Graves struggled early. Jarry’s inconsistency in the first period, and Graves’ mishaps were key factors in the Rangers hot start in this game. Moving forward, the Penguins will need to focus on the positive takeaways from this game like their reenergized third line ahead of a game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
