The Pittsburgh Penguins fifth preseason game against the Red Wings heightened the battle for roster slots as players made their claims. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost a closely contested game against the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 as they completed their series of preseason games. There were some encouraging moments for the team despite the close score and loss. For players fighting for a spot on the NHL roster, each of these performances matters greatly since the regular season is quickly coming and head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff need to start pencilling guys in.
Pittsburgh Penguins Preseason Game Five Impressions
Impressed
Harrison Brunicke
Harrison Brunicke, a 2024 second-round pick of the Penguins, has surprised everyone during training camp. He was a blueliner who constantly created attacking possibilities and recorded an assist on the Penguins’ lone goal. Brunicke is among the youngest players at camp, but he has displayed maturity well beyond his years. He can contribute at both ends of the rink because to his cool decision-making both with and without the puck.
Brunicke’s tendency towards aggression was evident. Throughout the game, Brunicke, a large right-shot defenseman, demonstrated his ability to use his body by taking numerous checks. He effectively stopped the Red Wings’ talented players with his strong defensive play. With Erik Karlsson doubtful to begin the season, the rookie defenseman’s strong two-way play might have earned him a nine-game NHL tryout. Penguins supporters have a lot to look forward to from Brunicke’s performance against Detroit, regardless of whether he is able to break into the NHL team for a stint.Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell looked energized throughout the game, scoring the Penguins only goal. He was successful in generating more scoring chances throughout the game as well. Rakell has struggled over the past few seasons with the Penguins following a trade from the Anaheim Ducks. As the team looks for him to bounce back, his preseason performance so far has been promising. Slotted back in with Evgeni Malkin and Michael Bunting to start the season, Rakell is in a terrific spot to regain his previous form as a goal scorer.
Rakell’s speed and poise to start preseason has been evident. His chemistry with Malkin and Bunting on the second line was a revelation for the Penguins down the stretch last season, and carrying that over into this season could support Rakell in regaining his form as a goal scorer.
Struggled
Cody Glass
Against Detroit, Cody Glass was still having trouble establishing himself with the Penguins. Even though he backed up Kevin Hayes, Glass was unable to provide any offensive output or open looks. Despite his strong defensive play, the Penguins’ bottom six needs to provide more offensively. Glass needs to improve in order to guarantee a spot in the bottom six of the roster with the preseason coming to an end. He hasn’t done much well in this capacity thus far.
Glass has demonstrated that he possesses the skills necessary to succeed in a bottom-six position, but he must concentrate on assembling his skills in a useful manner. Glass’s lack of production is worrisome because guys like Rutger McGroarty, Blake Lizotte, and Jesse Puljujarvi are vying for important ice time.
Anthony Beauvillier
Anthony Beauvillier once again failed to make much of a significant impact in the preseason even with extended playing time with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust. While known for his speed and energy, Beauvillier has struggled to convert these tools into production. Against Detroit, Beauvillier acted as a water bug but was unable to generate much offensively.
Beauvillier is in direct competition with Drew O’Connor for the top spot on Crosby’s wing, and his performance thus far has been underwhelming in camp. With players like O’Connor making a case for the top spot, and players like Puljujärvi pushing for bottom six spots, Beauvillier risks being the odd man out on this roster.
Although the Pittsburgh Penguins’ fifth preseason game did not go in their favour, it did give them important information about which players are ready to start and which ones still need improvement. Draft choice Harrison Brunicke’s strong play continues to increase his profile as a potential surprise member of the NHL roster. In the meanwhile, Rickard Rakell is prepared to further develop the rapport he created on the second line with Michael Bunting and Evgeni Malkin. On the other hand, Cody Glass and Anthony Beauvillier must both improve rapidly because there is not much longer for them to establish their value above the several players vying for roster positions.
As the preseason draws to a close, there is growing contention for roster slots in the starting lineup. With just two preseason games remaining, head coach Mike Sullivan must make some choices regarding this Penguins roster.
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