Roster moves loom as Penguins close out the pre-season

The Pittsburgh Penguins closed out their pre-season with a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night at Joe Louis Arena.

Mike Comrie scored twice and Evgeni Malkin had a goal and three assists in the win. Chris Kunitz and Alex Goligoski each added a goal and an assist for the Penguins, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 22 saves in the win.

Comrie and Malkin have showed early chemistry together and the Penguins have high expectations for Comrie.

"Mike is an extremely smart and intelligent offensive hockey player," Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma said in his post-game comments. Malkin and Comrie have remained together since the start of camp and the only question is who will join them on the line come opening night.

Top forward prospect Eric Tangradi spent the majority of time with Comrie and Malkin during camp and Tangradi has tried to force his way onto the team.

He's performed extremely well and with Jordan Staal sidelined for several weeks, Tangradi is considered the best fit for the line but prior to camp the plan was for Tangradi to begin the season in Wilkes Barre. Many believe that will end up playing out.

However, as of late Saturday afternoon, sources with knowledge of the situation said the organization was still wavering what to do with Tangradi. There is believed to be mixed opinions inside the organization with the coaching staff among those in favor of Tangradi beginning the season in Pittsburgh.

Tangradi is just one of several difficult roster moves the Penguins brass must make before Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.

Roster moves though could come on Monday and are expected by Tuesday at the latest.

The buzz is that the Penguins will open up the season with 14 forwards, 7 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. Jordan Staal starting the season on long-term injured reserve (10 Games - 24 Days) remains a likely possibility which will help the Penguins promote players in his absence.