The Pittsburgh Penguins have finalized their 23-man roster ahead of the team’s season opening game tonight against the New York Rangers.
The team’s opening night roster includes 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. This included teenagers Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke, who are both expected to make their NHL debuts tonight.
During Monday’s practice, the Penguins used the following lines and pairings:
- Rickard Rakell, Sidney Crosby, Ville Koivunen
- Anthony Mantha, Evgeni Malkin, Justin Brazeau
- Tommy Novak, Ben Kindel, Philip Tomasino
- Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari
- Parker Wotherspoon, Erik Karlsson
- Ryan Shea, Kris Letang
- Caleb Jones, Harrison Brunicke
Filip Hallander, Connor Clifton, and Matt Dumba were the extra skaters.
Last week,
the Penguins placed Bryan Rust on injured reserve, who’s expected to miss a minimum of two weeks time. Rust is joined by fellow sidelined players Rutger McGroarty, Kevin Hayes, Jack St. Ivany, and Joel Blomqvist.
“I think everybody is well prepared. Everybody’s ready to go,” Erik Karlsson said ahead of the season getting underway.
The Penguins will kick off their 2025-26 campaign tonight on the road at Madison Square Garden as they face off with the Rangers and former head coach Mike Sullivan.
Puck drop at MSG is slated for 8 p.m. ET.
