Penguins Face Canadiens with Preseason Roster Spotlight
The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for another important step in their preseason, and all eyes are on their matchup against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The game is set for Monday night, September 22nd, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Fans unable to attend in person will still be able to tune in through the Penguins’ flagship radio station, 105.9 The X.
Preseason games may not carry the same weight as those in the regular season, but they are often viewed as proving grounds. Lineups like this are used to test chemistry, evaluate new signings, and give prospects a real chance to show what they can bring to the ice. That is exactly what the Penguins are doing with this group.
Up front, several names jump out right away. Veterans such as Anthony Mantha and Danton Heinen will be skating alongside young players trying to carve out NHL spots, including Sam Poulin, Tristan Broz, and Avery Hayes. Among them is Rafael Harvey-Pinard, a forward who has been drawing interest as he works to establish himself within the Penguins’ depth chart after being signed earlier this offseason. His presence against the Canadiens, the team with whom he originally broke into the NHL, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Also Read:The forward unit is rounded out with versatile contributors like Robby Fabbri, Joona Koppanen, Valtteri Puustinen, and Tommy Novak. Each will be expected to use this opportunity to sharpen their timing, build chemistry, and prove where they fit when the games start to matter most.
On defense, the Penguins are testing a mix of experienced players and developing prospects. Matt Dumba, who was recently acquired in a trade, will be paired with returning regulars like Ryan Graves and Connor Clifton. Alongside them, younger talents such as Owen Pickering, Harrison Brunicke, and Finn Harding will get valuable minutes in a competitive environment. For many of these defensemen, every shift is a chance to prove they belong in the opening night conversation.
In goal, Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist will split duties. Preseason is a time when goaltending battles can quietly take shape, and this will be another opportunity for both netminders to make their case as reliable options behind the Penguins’ expected starter once the regular season begins.
While results in September rarely define a team’s future, performances in these games can leave lasting impressions. Veterans use them to fine-tune their game, while younger players and new signings often treat them like auditions. For Penguins fans, it will be a first look at how all these pieces are starting to fit together under the team’s new structure.
So when the puck drops in Montreal, it will not just be another preseason outing—it will be a glimpse into the Penguins’ plans for the year ahead, with players like Harvey-Pinard hoping to seize the spotlight and solidify their role.
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