Predicted Penguins lineup tonight: Pittsburgh's projected lineup for game against Toronto Maple Leafs

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.

About the author

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing in the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the game stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there through their highs and lows, from the Jordan era to the exciting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the intensity of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he also revels in the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favorite coach, whom he admires for his composed leadership and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To deliver top-quality content, Evan fact-checks information while diligently keeping up with the action year-round.

When he's not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek football, and also plays basketball and tennis.

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Edited by Krutik Jain

Predicted Penguins lineup tonight: Pittsburgh's projected lineup for game against Toronto Maple Leafs | Oct 12th, 2024

"I thought he was terrific" - Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praises Joel Blomqvist after first NHL win