Penguins Set Preseason Lineup That Puts Fourth‑Line Spots and Goaltending to the Test
The one-game lineup is meant to give coaches early evaluation on bottom‑six forwards and the three-way goalie race ahead of a compressed four‑game preseason.
Overview
- The Penguins announced their lineup for tonight’s preseason game against Buffalo with a 7:00 PM ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena and broadcasts on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 105.9 'The X'.
- The roster intentionally features many fringe forwards so coaches can evaluate candidates for the fourth line and final roster spots in game conditions.
- Pittsburgh continues a three‑way goaltending competition between Arturs Silovs, Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist, and both Murashov and Blomqvist are dressing for tonight’s game.
- The organization confirmed goaltending prospect Matvei Nikonovich has been assigned to the Barrie Colts of the OHL as part of development decisions.
- Buffalo traveled with a limited group of regulars, which lowers the competitive benchmark for evaluations and increases the relative weight of individual preseason performances in a short four‑game slate.