Sully says: Preseason Finale | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins closed out the 2024-25 preseason with a 7-3 win over Columbus on Friday. They dress in the following lineup:

Drew O'Connor – Sidney Crosby – Anthony Beauvillier

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Ricard Raquel

Rutger McGroarty – Lars Eller – Jesse Puljujarvi

Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass – Noel Acciari

Matt Grzelcyk – Kris Letang

Marcus Patterson – Jack St. Ivany

Ryan Graves – Harrison Brunick

After playing Tristan Jarry last night in Columbus, Joel Blomqvist got the nod in net in the second half of a home-and-home. The 22-year-old netminder stopped 26 of 29 shots.

Rickard Rakell led all Penguins skaters with four shots on goal, finding the back of the net seven seconds into a power play, while Noel Acciari scored twice and Pittsburgh's third line dominated the scoresheet. They combined for four goals and ten points in the competition.

Eller, the game's first star, recorded two goals and two assists. The trio's chemistry was in full effect in his second row, as the veteran forward completed a tic-tac-toe game.

“When we didn't have the puck, we were moving our feet to get to the right spot. Then whoever had the puck made the play,” Eller said. “We had to move the puck north, a quick touch, and just your guys getting up. Then we got some odd-man rushes, and even a second wave in that rush. So, it was great. I think everybody's moving their feet, making plays.”

McGroarty, the second star of the game, scored his first goal with Pittsburgh since being acquired from Winnipeg in August. “It feels good. It feels really Nice,” said the 22-year-old Rocky. “I mean, everybody likes to score goals. So, once you score one, especially here – hearing the crowd go crazy – it was pretty cool for me. So yeah, it was fun.”

McGroarty actually saw his parents, sister and girlfriend in the stands as he made the second star twirl, capping off a solid performance and ending his preseason slate on a high note.

“Sure, it's pretty cool,” he said. “I have done a lot of work. I've talked about it before, but just coming in mentally, a little overwhelming at first. But now I feel really comfortable with my game. I feel really good about where my game is. So whatever happens, happens, and I'll give it my best.”