Playing without their top players, the Penguins last night dropped a 2-1 preseason game to the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson scored the game winner in the third period. The Penguins’ goal was scored by defenseman Xavier Ouellet in the first period.
The game gave coach Mike Sullivan one of his last opportunities to see game action from players who are competing for the final roster spots ahead of Tuesday’s season opening game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Sullivan says it’s just about time to settle on a final opening roster.
Sullivan also had a chance to appreciate the work of forward Austin Wagner, who is in camp on a professional tryout contract. He’s played for the Kings and Blackhawks in the NHL, appearing in seven games for Chicago last season.
The coach says he wasn’t very familiar with Wagner before the Penguins signed him, but he’s impressed.
The Penguins will have to decide whether former number one draft pick Sam Poulin will be on the opening roster. Sullivan said the biggest challenge for Poulin is the fact that he missed a substantial part of last season dealing with mental health reasons, so getting his timing back is an issue. But the coach likes Poulin’s long-term chances of making an impact with the Pens.
The Penguins will play one more exhibition game, tomorrow night at Buffalo.
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