Lars Eller scored two goals and provided two assists to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, wrapping up their preseason schedule.
His linemates, Rutger McGroarty and Jesse Puljujarvi, also had impressive performances, each contributing a goal and two assists in the win.
Despite this, the Penguins fell behind early, as Mikael Pyyhtia and Cole Clayton each scored within 40 seconds in the first period, putting the Blue Jackets ahead 2-0.
Pittsburgh responded with five consecutive goals. Noel Acciari and Rickard Rakell tied the game in the first period, followed by goals from Puljujarvi, McGroarty, and a second goal from Acciari, giving the Penguins a three-goal lead.
Kent Johnson managed to narrow the deficit to two goals, but Eller netted two additional goals to ensure the Penguins’ victory.
Joel Blomqvist secured the win with a strong performance, making 26 saves. On the other end, Daniil Tarasov had a challenging night, saving only 18 of the 25 shots he faced.
Five points for Barzal, three for Duclair
Mathew Barzal was instrumental in his team’s five goals, contributing one goal and four assists, while Anthony Duclair added three points as the New York Islanders defeated the Rangers 5-2.
Barzal’s efforts included a goal and four assists, complemented by Duclair’s goal and two assists for Patrick Roy’s team. Bo Horvat also scored twice.
The Islanders were down 0-2 before rallying to score five unanswered goals.
Adam Fox recorded a goal and an assist in the losing effort.
Semyon Varlamov registered 20 saves.
Huberdeau and Mantha form a duo
Jonathan Huberdeau scored in a 3-2 loss for the Calgary Flames against the Winnipeg Jets.
Huberdeau’s new line partner assisted on his goal.
Kyle Connor clinched the victory for the Jets by scoring with 3:09 left in the game.
Cutter Gauthier leads the Ducks
Cutter Gauthier scored during regulation and netted the decisive shootout goal in a 3-2 win for the Anaheim Ducks over the San Jose Sharks.
Gauthier put the Ducks ahead 2-1 early in the third period.
As the third shooter for the Ducks in the shootout, he was the only scorer in that session.
Pittsburgh Penguins Conclude Preseason with 7-3 Victory
The Pittsburgh Penguins showcased their offensive prowess in a decisive 7-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets during their final preseason game. Lars Eller was undoubtedly the star of the night, contributing two goals and two assists, providing a significant boost to his team as they head into the regular season.
Outstanding Contributions from Linemates
Eller’s linemates, Rutger McGroarty and Jesse Puljujarvi, also had impressive performances, each adding a goal and two assists to the scoreline. Their cohesiveness on the ice was evident as they established a rhythm that overwhelmed the Blue Jackets.
Penguins Overcome Early Deficit
The victory wasn’t without its challenges; the Penguins initially fell behind by two goals. Early in the first period, Mikael Pyyhtia and Cole Clayton found the back of the net in quick succession, putting Columbus in control.
However, the Penguins showed resilience as they struck back with five unanswered goals:
- Noel Acciari and Rickard Rakell tied the game in the first period.
- Jesse Puljujarvi and Rutger McGroarty extended the lead, followed by Acciari’s second goal.
This offensive outburst allowed the Penguins to establish a formidable three-goal lead going into the final stretch of the game.
Key Moments and Performance Highlights
Despite Kent Johnson reducing the deficit with a goal, Eller’s two late goals secured the victory for Pittsburgh, allowing them to close the preseason on a high note.
In goal, Joel Blomqvist played exceptionally well, making 26 saves and helping the Penguins secure the win. On the other side, Daniil Tarasov struggled in the nets, managing to save just 18 of the 25 shots he faced.
Other Notable Matchups from the NHL Preseason
Islanders Dominate Rangers
In a fierce matchup, the New York Islanders defeated the New York Rangers 5-2, led by Mathew Barzal, who recorded a stunning five-point night with one goal and four assists. Anthony Duclair also made headlines with three points (one goal, two assists) as the Islanders overcame an early 0-2 deficit, scoring five consecutive goals to secure the win.
Flames Fall to Jets
The Calgary Flames faced off against the Winnipeg Jets and suffered a narrow 3-2 loss. Jonathan Huberdeau scored for the Flames, highlighting his performance with the assistance of his new line partner. The Jets clinched the victory when Kyle Connor scored the game-winner with just over three minutes left in regulation.
Ducks Triumph in Shootout
In a closely contested game, the Anaheim Ducks edged the San Jose Sharks 3-2, thanks in part to Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier scored in regulation to put the Ducks ahead and eventually sealed the victory in the shootout, marking a strong performance from the young forward.
| Team | Goals | Assists | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 7 | 7 | 7-3 |
| New York Islanders | 5 | 10 | 5-2 |
| Calgary Flames | 2 | 3 | 2-3 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 3 | 3 | 3-2 (SO) |
Benefits of Preseason Performance Analysis
Analyzing preseason performance is crucial for understanding team dynamics and preparing for the regular season. Here are some key benefits:
- Identify Key Players: Tracking standout performances helps coaches identify players who will be essential in the upcoming season.
- Line Combination Success: Preseason games allow teams to experiment with different line combinations to find the most effective units.
- Assessing Strategies: Teams can test out new strategies and make adjustments before the games count.
First-hand Experience: Insights from Players
Players often share valuable insights from their preseason experiences that can enrich both fans and budding hockey enthusiasts:
“Preseason is where we build chemistry. The more we play together, the better we understand each other’s game,” said Lars Eller.
Understanding these perspectives can enrich the overall view of the preseason’s importance in a hockey team’s journey.
