Penguins

Penguins NHL Lineup; Lines, Notes & How to Watch vs. CBJ

Published

2 months ago

October 4, 2024

Pittsburgh Penguins Game, Bets, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins NHL lineup will be on display, at least as close as injuries and one more pending decision will allow coach Mike Sullivan to fill out his lineup card. The Penguins finally finish the preseason schedule with one more game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday at PPG Paints Arena.

The puck drops just after 7 p.m.

The Penguins secondary lineup submitted an eye-opening effort Thursday, beating Columbus 3-1 at Nationwide Arena. Valtteri Puusinten and Jonathan Gruden scored goals in the first two periods, then Kevin Hayes tallied the empty netter.

Prospect Ville Koivunen had a breakout game. While he isn’t going to be on the final roster, the 21-year-old flashed the talent that allowed him to post 56 points in 59 games last season in the Finnish Elite League. Koivunen set up the first goal and created no less than a handful of scoring chances.

At least one player cemented an NHL job, while a couple of others made coach Mike Sullivan’s lineup decisions even tougher.

Final rosters are due by Monday at 5 p.m. Any players that need to clear waivers must be waived by Sunday at 2 p.m., or they would count on the roster on Monday.

Friday will be the final chance for top prospect Rutger McGroarty to impress coaches. McGroarty will dress again Friday after a lineup spot opened due to Bryan Rust’s absence.

The team termed Rust‘s absence on Wednesday as a maintenance day but he has not yet returned.