The Penguins lost their preseason game with Detroit last night, 2-1 on a Nate Danielson goal at the 17:11 mark of the third period. The Pens’ goal was scored by Rickard Rakell early in the second period with assists by Evgeni Malkin and rookie Harrison Brunicke, who was drafted in the second round in June, 44th overall, and has opened the eyes of the Penguins’ coaches in a push to make the team.
Both teams were 0-for-5 with the man advantage but Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is liking what he sees from his revamped power play.
Brunicke’s assist was his first point of the preseason. Sullivan likes the 18-year-old’s potential.
Tristan Jarry stopped 17 of 19 shots on goal last night.
The veteran goaltender didn’t like missing the playoffs for a second straight year, but he says the long summer gave him a chance to get fitter and stronger.
Jarry says it was difficult to watch other teams play for the Stanley Cup while he was sitting at home.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson skated before practice yesterday and Sullivan said it was “encouraging”, but he did not say whether Karlsson will be ready for the Pens’ first regular season game, which is a week from tonight against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena. Karlsson has not yet practiced with the team in training camp. Sullivan said the star defenseman won’t need as much time as a younger player would to get up to speed.
The Pens’ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton minor league team opened their preseason with a 6-1 win over Lehigh Valley in Allentown.
The Penguins play the Blue Jackets in Columbus tomorrow night.
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