The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Buffalo Sabres in their final preseason game of 2023.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are wrapping up their preseason with one more contest in Buffalo against the Sabres. The Penguins made a few more roster moves prior to announcing their lineup in Buffalo, but are still in need of trimming their roster prior to opening night. This game in Buffalo should be an exciting one, and here’s what to watch for.
1.) Bottom Six Battle Concludes
The biggest question all of training camp and the preseason has continued to be who will be on the third and fourth lines to open the season. Head coach Mike Sullivan has been complimentary of a slew of players all vying for just six spots.
Between Radim Zohorna, Colin White, Jansen Harkins, Austin Wagner, Jeff Carter, Matt Nieto, Noel Acciari, and Lars Eller, it’s a wide open race for the depth lines of the Penguins. The final preseason matchup is a prime chance for someone to break from the pack and secure one of the final roster spots.
2.) Drew O'Connor Gets A Shot
With Jake Guentzel still on the shelf entering the regular season, the Penguins are in need of a temporary linemate for Sidney Crosby. After standing out all preseason, Drew O’Connor has skated with the first line in practice recently. He looks to get his biggest opportunity in this game versus the Sabres. Hopefully he can take advantage and continue carving out a larger role with the team.
3.) Regular Season Intensity
When the lineup regulars have been in on the ice this preseason, they have certainly brought a low level of intensity. Aside from those battling for jobs, the core has looked fairly relaxed in these tune up competitions. With just a few days away from opening up their season against a hungry Chicago Blackhawks team, the Penguins need to lock in against Buffalo and move closer to regular season form.
The Penguins face-off against the Sabres at 7:00pm.
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