Tonight, we will see a different group of Penguins take the ice in preseason action. They will be in Columbus taking on the Blue Jackets in their second preseason game of the season. Here is the lineup for this evening
As with any preseason game with a rebuilding franchise there are things to look for. Let’s go through them
A return from Sweden
The forward I am most interested in watching tonight that was not in the lineup against Montreal is Filip Hallander. He was part of the organization a few years back and then returned to Sweden. His 2024-25 season in Sweden was excellent. He had 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games. Using the NHLe formula that translates into a 51 point pace in an 82 NHL game season. The formula isn’t a guarantee. It is however a nice temperature check on how he has progressed as a player.
The Penguins have given him no guarantees about where he will play. He could be coming back over to North America to be in the AHL. I am really looking forward to seeing how he acclimates himself back under the Penguins umbrella. This would be a wonderful and unexpected turn of events if Hallander can come back and give the team good NHL minutes. Finding useful players out of nowhere can really help speed up a rebuild. If he even comes close to that 51 point projection it would be tremendous. Tonight, we’ll get our first look on what this version of Hallander looks like
Looking to build from experience
Ben Kindel and Tristan Broz will be back in the lineup this evening. They are going to look to keep improving with each opportunity at the NHL level. As I said after the first preseason game I like where Kindel’s eyes go, I can tell he wants to create time and space, and he isn’t afraid to go to the tough areas. The next step for him is going to be getting tangible results from these good habits. He is going to get another chance to try.
Tristan Broz needs to keep playing a solid 200 foot game with the ability to chip in offensively. Dubas isn’t going to be shy giving roster spots to younger players. While Broz might be a long shot to make the big roster if he keeps stringing together quality performances it isn’t out of the question.
Chance to see new goaltender
Arturs Silovs is dressing tonight for the Penguins alongside Filip Larsson. Silovs was a free agent addition for Dubas this offseason and he is one of those dart throws that could end up paying off. He has a limited NHL sample, but has a playoff MVP and Calder Cup Trophy along with a Bronze Medal run with Latvia at the World Championships. Ultimately, that shows someone who is able to meet the moment when called upon. The question for Silovs will be if his talent can keep him at the NHL level playing well on a consistent basis. His audition for NHL minutes will start this evening.
Finally, if you are looking to watch the game the Penguins website says you can watch the game by doing the following:
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET and fans can watch a live stream of the game on www.nhl.com/penguins or tune in to the game on the Penguins’ official flagship radio station, 105.9 ‘The X’.
