On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins will look to pick up their second win of the season after defeating the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday in their first road game of the season. After dropping their home opener earlier in the week to the New York Rangers, the team picked up a 6-3 win, with netminder Joel Blomqvist picking up his first win as a starter.
Given his .906 save percentage in Thursday's game, Blomqvist has been named the Penguins' starter for Saturday's game as well. With puck drop scheduled for 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET), let's take a look at the team's projected lines for tonight's road game in Toronto.
Forwards:
L1: Anthony Beauvillier | Sidney Crosby | Rickard Rakell
L2: Michael Bunting | Evgeni Malkin | Drew O'Connor
L3: Rutger McGroarty | Lars Eller | Jesse Puljujarvi
L4: Kevin Hayes | Cody Glass | Noal Acciari
Defense:
L1: Matt Grzelcyk | Kris Letang
L2: Marcus Pettersson | Erik Karlsson
L3: Ryan Graves | Jack St. Ivany
Goalies:
Joel Blomqvist
Tristan Jarry
1st Powerplay Unit
Evgeni Malkin | Sidney Crosby | Rickard Rakell
Erik Karlsson | Kris Letang
2nd Powerplay Unit
Michael Bunting | Lars Eller | Jesse Puljujarvi
Matt Grzelcyk | Kevin Hayes
1st Penalty Kill Unit
Lars Eller | Drew O'Connor
Marcus Pettersson | Kris Letang
2nd Penalty Kill Unit
Noel Acciari | Michael Bunting
Ryan Graves | Matt Grzelcyk
"I thought he was terrific" - Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praises Joel Blomqvist after first NHL win
After securing his first NHL win, 22-year-old netminder Joel Blomqvist is eager to keep the momentum rolling tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Following the game, Blomqvist was recognized by coach Mike Sullivan after the game, calling his performance "unbelievable." In addition, the team's equipment manager presented Blomqvist with the team's victory helmet during the locker room post-game.
While speaking with media after the game, Sullivan praised Blomqvist for embracing the moment and getting his first NHL win.
“He sure did [embrace the moment], I thought he was terrific, especially early in the game," Sullivan said. "They obviously came out hard in the first 10 minutes of the game, with it being their home opener. I thought Joel made some huge saves at key times to give us a chance to get our legs.”
In Saturday night's game against Toronto, Blomqvist will look to make it two straight as the Penguins attempt to jump out to a 2-1 season record.
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