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Gameday! Penguins Roster vs. Columbus, Preseason Game 3

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Pittsburgh Penguins game vs. Columbus Blue Jackets logo

The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena and the geographically close rivals will again stage a preseason battle Saturday at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The puck drops at 2 p.m.

Nathan Legare scored two goals in 23 seconds Thursday night as the Penguins beat Columbus 4-1. Legare was awarded an Entry-Level-Contract, but won’t play Saturday, nor will either of the Penguins top centers, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Nick Bjugstad will be the Penguins top line pivot Saturday.

Per preseason customs, the Penguins will ice a heavily AHL-flavored lineup on the road. Just five NHL regulars will dress Saturday.

Friday, the Penguins lightened their training camp roster by 10 players, down to 46. Defenseman Calen Addison was returned to juniors while the Penguins sent nine more to their AHL camp, including Jordy Bellerive who has not yet impressed this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Forwards:

19 – McCann
20 – Bjorkqvist
24 – Kahun
26 – Agozzino
27 – Bjugstad
36 – Blandisi
37 – Lafferty
45 – Lucchini
46 – Aston-Reese
53 – Blueger
54 – Di Pauli
57 – Angello

Defensemen:

2 – Ruhwedel
6 – Marino
7 – Czuczman
44 – Gudbranson
50 – Riikola
55 – Warsofsky

Goalies:

1 – DeSmith
60 – Larmi

Quick Analysis

Penguins goalie Matt Murray played the entire game Thursday, so we may not see Finnish rookie Emil Larmi, who is just beginning his adjustment to the smaller North American ice surface. Defenseman John Marino will draw-in for the third straight preseason game. Marino has drawn praise from our Editor-in-Chief Dan Kingerski. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach/GM Mike Vellucci discussed Marino with PHN last week in an exclusive interview.

Head coach Mike Sullivan also offered praise for Marino, too. 

Hollidaysburg native Sam Lafferty will also play his third preseason game. Lafferty is making a solid push to be considered for the NHL roster at some point this season. Penguins rookie Kasper Bjorkqvist was a standout Thursday and will earn a sweater for the second straight game.

The game will be televised on AT&T Sportsnet and the NHL network.