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Pittsburgh Penguins Battle Log: Preseason – Game 1

By Mike Necciai

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It feels like forever since there was actual hockey to watch and talk about but the Pittsburgh Penguins finally begin their 2015-16 preseason tonight in Columbus. The only issue is the ‘watch’ part of that statement, as the game will not be televised.

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Despite the game not being televised or streamed online, there are still a few interesting story lines to follow. The first, though line combinations are mostly meaningless in training and preseason hockey, Nick Bonino and Beau Bennett seem to be inseparable in camp up to this point. Are we watching the Penguins’ third line forming in front of our eyes?

Bennett has never had a consistent center, aside from extended time with Brandon Sutter. Of course, that’s partly due to his inability to stay healthy but I’m anxious to see how he clicks with Bonino. A lot of folks are a bit misguided on Bonino’s strengths and view him as a defensive-minded forward, which isn’t the case at all. If Bennett can stay on the ice and the two of them find chemistry, that has the potential to become a fairly productive third line. Something Pittsburgh hasn’t had since 2009.

Oskar Sundqvist Looking to Make a Case for Himself

Last September, Sundqvist made it very hard for the coaching staff to send him back to Sweden for another year. While his ceiling is likely a bottom-six center, he looks to have the necessary tools to be a very good one. This season, he’s looking to take the next step.

I’ve touched on this in previous articles but the Matt Cullen signing means that Sundqvist will indeed have to earn his spot. And, that’s perfectly fine. Competition is a good thing and if he proves to be a better option for fourth line center, Cullen can move to wing or become the thirteenth forward. Either way, that’s depth that a lot of teams would love to have.

Sundqvist looked very good in the recent rookie tournament played in London, Ontario and filled multiple roles at even-strength and on the penalty kill, which is exactly what the Pens will want from him at the NHL level.

Pittsburgh Penguins Game Notes, Roster

Truth be told, I have very little concern with who wins or loses in the preseason. I’m interested in seeing how players on the bubble of making the NHL perform, such as the aforementioned Sundqvist, Conor Sheary, Bryan Rust and Scott Wilson. I’m also intrigued to see how players from overseas such as Sergei Plotnikov and Niclas Andersen stack up against NHL competition.

The full rosters are below.

You’ll notice that there’s no Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis or Plotnikov, but David Perron will suit up. Why?

The Pens weren’t happy with Perron’s performance down the stretch last season and neither was he. As Josh Yohe reported, much of it was due to his injury the prior year and the inability to train effectively. The Pens will push Perron in preseason in order to find out if he has what it takes to play in the top-six. All indications are that he does but he’ll have to prove it.

Next: 2015-16 Shaping Up to Be a Fun Ride

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