Penguins Prospects Fall Short in 4-0 Preseason Loss to Blue Jackets

Key points

• The Penguins lost 4-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a preseason game at Nationwide Arena on September 24, 2026.
• The Penguins' lineup featured 14 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies, with Sergei Murashov starting in goal.
• Columbus scored three goals in the first two periods, all resulting from Penguins defensive mistakes by Ilya Solovyov, Jake Livanavage, and Ryan Graves.
• The 'Kids' line of Rutger McGroarty, Tristan Broz, and Ville Koivunen had five shot attempts in the first period and improved in the second and third periods.
• The Penguins' regular season begins in six days against the Philadelphia Flyers, with roster battles still ongoing for several positions.

Background

The Penguins' preseason schedule includes three games, with this being the third. They previously lost 7-4 to the Detroit Red Wings and won 4-1 against the Buffalo Sabres. The team is in the final stages of roster decisions, with several players competing for spots on the opening night lineup. The regular season begins in six days against the Philadelphia Flyers.

How outlets are covering it

Pittsburgh Hockey Now emphasized the Penguins' prospects' effort and improvement, particularly the 'Kids' line, while noting defensive mistakes by veterans like Ryan Graves. Pensburgh highlighted the roster battles and the significance of the game for players like Rutger McGroarty and Owen Pickering. NHL.com provided the official lineup and game details. DK Pittsburgh Sports covered the game as part of their broader coverage of Pittsburgh sports, including the Steelers and Pirates.

Why it matters

The game provides insight into the Penguins' prospect development and roster decisions ahead of the regular season. The performance of young players like McGroarty, Broz, and Koivunen will influence their roles on the team. The defensive mistakes by veterans like Graves and Solovyov highlight areas for improvement. The game also sets the stage for the regular season, where the Penguins will face a challenging schedule.

What to watch

The Penguins will play their final preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 26, 2026. The regular season begins in six days against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team will finalize its roster in the coming days, with several players competing for spots. The Penguins will also continue to evaluate their prospects and veterans in the remaining preseason games.