PHN EXTRA: Penguins Roster Set, Are They Better Than Last Year?

The Pittsburgh Penguins roster is set. But are the Penguins in a better place than they were 12 months ago? Six months ago?

Monday, the Penguins roster was essentially finalized for the Oct. 4 opener against the hated, likely Tom Wilson-less, defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. Brian Dumoulin’s upper body injury opened a spot for rookie sensation Juuso Riikola, and Tristan Jarry’s lower body injury guaranteed Casey DeSmith the backup job. The Penguins shuttled Zach Aston-Reese and Zach Trotman to the AHL which sets the roster at 22 or 23 players, pending which injured players are placed on the injured list.

The 2018-19 Penguins are in place. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan tipped his feelings Sunday when describing his new fourth line and when he admitted the different vibe around the Penguins room this season.