Who Impressed and Struggled in Game One Of Pittsburgh Penguins 2024-25 Season
The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their 2024-25 season with a disappointing 6-0 loss to their rivals, the New York Rangers. Despite a preseason filled with optimism, the Penguins struggled to find their rhythm, especially early in the game. The Rangers took control quickly, scoring three goals in the first period and setting a tone the Penguins could never overcome. While there were a few bright spots, several key players underperformed, leading to an embarrassing start to the season.
Penguins Who Impressed
Rutger McGroarty
One of the few positives in Pittsburgh’s season opener was the performance of rookie forward Rutger McGroarty, who made his NHL debut. McGroarty, playing on the third line alongside veterans Lars Eller and Jesse Puljujärvi, showcased his ability to forecheck aggressively and keep pace with the high speed of NHL play. Despite the team’s overall struggles, McGroarty looked comfortable, making smart passes and keeping his composure under pressure. While he didn’t find the scoresheet, his energetic playstyle helped create opportunities for his line. For a rookie debuting against a powerhouse like the Rangers, McGroarty’s performance was a strong foundation to build on for the season ahead.
Drew O’Connor
Another player who stood out was Drew O’Connor. Coming off a solid preseason, O’Connor was one of the few Penguins who created offensive chances. Using his speed to push the puck into the offensive zone, O’Connor was consistently one of the most active forwards on the ice. Though he didn’t tally any points, his effort and tenacity were noticeable and will be crucial as the Penguins try to find consistency.
Penguins Who Struggled
Tristan Jarry
Goaltender Tristan Jarry had a rough night, allowing six goals on 34 shots. While the Penguins’ defense didn’t give him much support, Jarry’s inability to come up with key saves, particularly in the first period, was a major factor in the team’s collapse. His early struggles allowed the Rangers to build an insurmountable lead, and he will need to bounce back quickly to regain his form and confidence.
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson, making his much-anticipated debut for Pittsburgh, had an underwhelming start. Brought in to add offensive firepower from the blue line, Karlsson failed to make a significant impact, and his defensive play was shaky. Turnovers and missed assignments led to several Rangers scoring opportunities, a disappointing start for a player expected to help the Penguins both offensively and defensively.
Evgeni Malkin
Veteran forward Evgeni Malkin struggled to get going, contributing little offensively and appearing out of sync with his linemates. Malkin, typically one of Pittsburgh’s top playmakers, failed to generate chances and was quiet for most of the game. His slow start will be a concern for the Penguins as they rely on him heavily for offensive production.
Looking Ahead
After a rough opening game, the Penguins will need to regroup and address their shortcomings, especially from key players. However, the encouraging performances from younger players like McGroarty and O’Connor suggest there is potential to build on. As the season progresses, veterans like Jarry, Karlsson, and Malkin will need to step up to help Pittsburgh return to winning form.