Penguins Preseason: Detroit Breakdown

Back in the day, the J. Geils Band recorded a song titled Detroit Breakdown. The refrain of the song went, “Detroit breakdown, Motor City shakedown…”

An apt description of last night’s 4-2 preseason loss to Detroit at Little Caesars Arena. Cracks appeared in the Penguins’ kid-laden lineup and the opportunistic Red Wings exploited them.

While we started the game in second gear, the home team jumped to a two-goal lead. The Pens finally found their legs in the second period and knotted the score on tallies by Drew O’Connor and Dominik Simon. But the Red Wings pulled ahead, this time for good, at 15:28 of the third period on a snipe by Joe Veleno from the top of the right circle. Tyler Bertuzzi potted an empty-netter in the final minute to put the game on ice.

The outcome wasn’t entirely unexpected given our watered-down lineup. With final cuts looming, here’s a quicky list of who likely secured a spot, who’s on the bubble and who’s headed to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton…or parts unknown.

Keepers

I’d like to go on record as saying I deserve a little credit for O’Connor’s rapid ascent. As recently as a week ago I panned the kid’s play. Since then, Drew’s been positively on fire, tallying three goals in his past two games. All on turning moves from the high slot. All displaying a hard, accurate shot and quick release. Virtually invisible during a 10-game cameo last season, he’s been very noticeable…for all the right reasons. He’s skating with speed, confidence and authority.

If Anthony Angello doesn’t make the squad, it won’t be for a lack of effort. Once again he was a physical force, dishing a game-high five hits while displaying excellent speed for a big man. Wish he’d do a little more offensively. But I think he’s a bona fide NHL fourth liner.

I hope this won’t send my esteemed colleague, Other Rick, over the edge (or off a ledge). As much as it pains me to write it, Simon’s done enough this preseason (two goals) to earn a spot. I’ll duck and run for cover now.

On the Bubble

I love the idea of Brian Boyle in a Pens uniform. We desperately need a player (or two) with his size, physicality, defensive acumen and leadership. I think he could serve as a mentor for big-and-tall kids like Angello and Radim Zohorna. I don’t know if I like the idea of him taking a roster spot from one of them. Especially in light of a rather uninspired performance last night (minus-three).

Speaking of “Big Z,” I love the package he brings. The skill set, the awareness, the surprising wheels for a big man. I just wish he’d done a little more to seize the opportunity presented to him. My take? He’ll start the season with the Baby Pens centering a line for Samuel Poulin and Nathan Legare. More on them in a bit.

On ‘d,’ Juuso Riikola and Pierre-Olivier Joseph were given ample ice time to show their wares. I found Joseph to be a bit inconsistent and even a little shaky in his own end. I like Riikola’s skills, which compare favorably to those of incumbent portsider Marcus Pettersson. However, Juuso seemed a little lost at times manning the unfamiliar starboard side. Understandably so.

Down on the Farm

Everyone else pretty much punched a ticket to northeastern Pennsylvania. Poulin played a solid all-around game, but nothing really jumped out and, per his usual, he didn’t assert himself. By contrast, the feisty Legare gave his all and played a fairly active game…three shots on goal and two hits. I was especially pleased to see him involved in a net-front scrap with Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider. However, his overall game needs refining.

Valterri Puustinen, who assisted on Connor’s goal, likewise displayed flashes and impressed at times. Lots of skill, good hockey sense and speed. Another player who’ll benefit from major ice time with the Baby Pens.

The rest of the kiddie korps…including Kasper Bjorkqvist, Jonathan Gruden and Filip Hallander? Decidedly ho-hum. Easy cuts for coach Mike Sullivan and his staff.

Roster Trimmed

Shortly after this article was posted, general manager Ron Hextall announced that nine players were assigned to the Baby Pens. As anticipated, they include forwards Bjorkqvist, Gruden, Hallander, Legare, Poulin and Puustinen, along with defensemen Niclas Almari, Taylor Fedun and Joseph.

In related news, goalie Louis Domingue cleared waivers and will also join Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Meanwhile, Riikola has been placed on waivers.

For now, bubble forwards Angello, Boyle, Michael Chaput, Sam Lafferty, O’Connor, Simon and Zahorna hold roster spots. Likewise, fringe d-man Mark Friedman remains with the Pens.