The Pittsburgh Penguins forced over time but lost their second preseason game of the day.
Just a few hours after a shootout winner at PPG Paints Arena, the Pittsburgh Penguins were ready for one more battle against the Columbus Blue Jackets to kick off the preseason.
Taking a glance at the rosters for the second half of the split squad contests, one would assume the Penguins were in for a tougher matchup.
The Blue Jackets suited up a number of regular starters like Patrick Laine, Johnny Gaudreau, and Elvis Merzlikins.
Adam Fantilli also put on a Blue Jackets sweater for the first time and Zach Werenski made his long awaited return to the Columbus lineup.
With all of that firepower, the Penguins were going to have their work cut out for them.
The Blue Jackets had the superior lineup, and it showed early when Fantilli and Laine picked up assists on an Alexandre Texier goal just under five minutes in.
Later in the opening frame, the Jonathan Gruden found a loose puck to knot the score at one, but the Blue Jackets answered right back about a minute later.
The Penguins would keep fighting and in the final seconds of the opening frame, Sam Poulin took advantage of a net-front error from the Jackets.
Poulin found himself with a wide open net after Merzlikins couldn’t keep up with the bouncing puck.
The first period came to an end with the teams tied at two goals a piece.
After a slow start to the second, the Blue Jackets broke through to put themselves up 3-2 with a short handed tally.
The Penguins wouldn’t be denied, however, as Austin Wagner picked up a slick one-handed goal while fighting off a defender.
Wagner is hoping to have a strong camp and preseason to earn a role beyond his current professional tryout offer.
Heading into the second intermission, the Penguins and Blue Jackets remained tied.
Taylor Gauthier took over in goal for Magnus Hellberg in net for the Penguins to start the third period; Hellberg finished the night with 16 saves on 19 shots.
Following a scoreless third period, the Penguins and Blue Jackets were heading to overtime for the second time in the same day.
This game, however, wouldn't need the shootout as Jordan Dumais from the Blue Jackets pocketed the game winner a little over half way through the OT frame.
The Penguins and Blue Jackets split the double header to open their preseasons, but teams taking wins on their home ice.
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