The Pittsburgh Penguins had many of their NHL starters in the lineup, but a depth piece stood out from the crowd.

For the first time this preseason, the Pittsburgh Penguins put together a lineup loaded almost completely with NHL talent.

More than just a return to the ice for guys like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, it was the unofficial Penguins debut for a number of newcomers.

Erik Karlsson primary among them, but guys like Matt Nieto, Lars Eller, and Ryan Graves all got a chance to show themselves to the Pittsburgh faithful for the first time.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said it would be Tristan Jarry’s net for the full 60 minutes, as he looked to stop Tage Thompson and the Buffalo Sabres.

It’s still an exhibition, but the first period of the contest went by without many fireworks; the first frame came to an end without any goals and a combined 11 shots.

Six in total for the Penguins and five for the Sabres.

The Penguins did get a power play opportunity, but it’s a group still getting used to a new system and not much threat was registered with the man advantage.

After more pedestrian play to start the second period, Rickard Rakell finally broke the ice to get the Penguins on the board.

Rakell played the game on his off wing with Crosby and Bryan Rust, but that’s a position he has noted to be comfortable with.

The Penguins held on to their 1-0 lead until the closing minute of the frame when Thompson showed off his strength and skill to beat Jarry and a quick breakaway.

The teams entered the second intermission tied at a goal a piece.

Throughout the contest, Drew O’Connor wad pretty noticeable, even picking up few breakaway opportunities, just nothing clicking at the time.

O’Connor was finally able to find the back of the net with a goal on a redirected shot-pass from linemate Lars Eller.

The two have shared a third line almost all camp, and it’s been an impressive pair for the Penguins offense.

With time winding down, the Sabres pulled their goalie Eric Comrie in hopes of tying the game late.

After missing an initial chance from behind the center line, O'Connor potted his second goal of the night on the empty cage.

The Penguins suited many of their NHL regulars, but it was O'Connor who stood out the most in the 3-1 victory.

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