Penguins Defeat Cup Champs To Run Undefeated Preseason Record To 4-0

The train just keeps on rolling.

Behind goals from Evgeni Malkin, Dustin Jeffrey, Nick Johnson and Mark Letestu, as well as 20 stops on 21 shots by goaltender Brent Johnson, the Pittsburgh Penguins ran their undefeated pre-season record to 4-0 by disposing of the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, 4-1, last night at the CONSOL Energy Center.

While Chicago didn't have all of its regulars in the lineup, and played behind thier 3rd string goaltender for 40 minutes, it did have 4 of their top 6 blueliners and forward Patrick Kane in the lineup.  Still, the Penguins dominated most of the game, outshooting Chicago 39-21.

Malkin's first goal was a sensational individual effort, abusing several Blackhawks and taking advantage of some solid distraction work in front by rookie winger Eric Tangradi to score, while Jeffrey, Johnson and Letestu all scored by having deflected pucks go in.

Like Malkin, Jeffrey had a strong game -- probably his best of the pre-season.  Just when it looked like he was going to have a hard time doing enough to stick on the roster, he complicated the picture last night.

Tangradi also had a strong game, making the decision on what to do with him probably just as difficult.  Bylsma complimented him afterwards, saying he's doing "exactly what he brings to the table".

It's hard to say the picture became any clearer on the blueline either.  Deryk Engelland was a +2, and Simon Despres had another decent game.   Ben Lovejoy didn't play himself out of the picture, but he continued to not do anything to distinguish his way into it.

One things is for sure:  whoever sticks -- and manages to start as the #6 blueliner -- is going to get less ice-time than the other 5 rearguards, Head Coach Dan Bylsma said yesterday. 

Bylsma also said that whoever plays in that role is going to have to bring something special to the table, whether it be on the penalty kill, with physical play, or something else.

The Penguins are expected to make roster cuts at some point today.  Keep checking back here for the word on who's going and, for now at least, who's sticking.