Penguins Notebook: Karlsson Not Skating; New Goalie Share, Lines
CRANBERRY, Twp — On the way to Detroit for the first of a pair of preseason games this weekend, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan briefly forgot who his goalies were for Saturday.
It’s a whirlwind weekend, with one game in Detroit and then the Kraft Hockeyville game in Sudbury, Ont. on Sunday. More than 40 players are traveling to Detroit before a smaller group goes to Sudbury, creating more than a few unique logistical challenges … and some momentary confusion for even the head coach.
Saturday, Filip Larsson and Tristan Jarry will split the net against the Detroit Red Wings. Larsson was a free agent acquisition whom Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas signed from the Swedish Elite League last April. After a slow start to his career, including being a sixth-round draft pick by Detroit and playing in less than 10 ECHL games before returning to Sweden, last season was a breakout year for Larsson.
Read More:Â Penguins Lineup Game 3 vs. Detroit; Who & How to Watch
He also showed well in the Penguins’ first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres, when the overmatched Penguins prospects faced the Sabres’ NHL lineup. Buffalo chased starting goalie Joel Blomqvist with five goals in the opening minutes of the second period before Larsson settled the game.
At the risk of violating Sullivan’s rule of reading too much into decisions, Larsson seems to be ahead of ballyhooed Russian prospect Sergei Murashov, who has not yet appeared in a preseason game.
Erik Karlsson
On Thursday, Sullivan neatly sidestepped a question about Erik Karlsson’s status, saying the medical team was working with him and he expected them to have success.
It was an artful dodge to the question of whether Karlsson would be ready for the start of the regular season against Detroit on Oct. 9.
Saturday, Sullivan did little to quell the emerging questions about Karlsson’s status.
“The only update is he’s scheduled to be off the ice this weekend, and then we’ll go from there,” said Sullivan. “But that’s just part of the rehab process and where he’s at right now.”
Karlsson remains listed as day-to-day but has not formally participated in training camp or preseason games.
Expected Penguins Lines
For Saturday, it’s a bit of a mix-and-match set of lines, but a few players are fighting for their NHL lives. Valtteri Puustinen will skate on the top line, and a few prospects will get another look at NHL competition. However, it can be noted that Rutger McGroarty has slipped to an exclusively prospect-filled line, and Vasily Ponomarev has moved to the wing.
Drew O’Connor-Lars Eller-Valtteri Puustinen
Emil Bemstrom-Noel Acciari-Jesse Puljujarvi
Vasily Ponomarev-Tristan Broz-Rutger McGroarty
Avery Hayes-Jimmy Huntington-Corey Andonovski
Defense
Owen Pickering-Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Shea-Sebastian Aho
Ryan Graves-Mac Hollowell or John Ludvig
Goalies
Starter: Tristan Jarry
Relief: Filip Larsson
Categorized:Penguins Penguins Notebook
If I was at the game, the third line is what I’d be interested in.
If the pens crater this season, that could be a line in the nhl after the trade deadline. I wouldn’t be upset at all. Also interested in seeing how that top line does.
Noted, Jeff. That’s the line I hope has a wild game, but it will depend on competition, too.
If EK is out long term, bring back Justin Schultz.
“Merging questions” dude…youre getting answers. The NHL never talks injury specifics about anybody. Been like that forever.
Why the constant need to create drama where there is none?
As an aside, havent heard much about Bemstrom this year.
We’re well aware of the NHL injury culture, but we do appreciate the self-aggrandizing reminder.