LATEST PENS BUZZ

Can Conor Sheary play at the NHL level? To see what the Penguins actually have in him, he needs to play with some top talent in camp and a positive sign is the Penguins coaching staff has identified that.

In a golden opportunity tonight, Sheary will see some time on the top line, playing with Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist.

Sheary who has a lot of support from the management team, is among the top candidates in the mix for one of the two final forward spots.

Internally Sheary is believed to have a leg up on the likes of Scott Wilson and Bryan Rust for now, but with it being a mystery on how he’ll fare at the NHL level, he’s one of those bubble players where his performance in the preseason will have a ton of weight into the decision.

With Eric Fehr to start the season on long-term injured reserve, the Penguins would like to fill the 12th and 13th forward spots with a skilled forward and a hard nosed player.

[hide]

Bobby Farnham another top candidate to earn a roster spot is currently day-to-day with a nagging injury, while Nick Bonino remains off the ice with an undisclosed illness.

There has been discussions of a Sheary – Bonino – Bennett line to start the season. That will be something to watch if Sheary continues to perform well in camp.

JOHNSTON TALKS SCUDERI

Rob Scuderi will be in the lineup tonight and paired with Will O’Neill. Scuderi has been paired with Reid McNeill for much of camp.

Mike Johnston called Scuderi a top-PK guy today who can matchup against top players.

“The staple of [Rob’s] game is great positional play,” Johnston said. “Really sound choices defensively. Penalty killing he’s a top guy for sure. Anytime we’re into the season where you’re playing matchup’s, he’s a good matchup guy against top players because he always has prime [means great positioning] ice. He always seals people out and he’s a good box-out down low guy.”

LINES VS RED WINGS

Sheary – Malkin – Hornqvist

Plotnikov – Mouillierat – Bennett

Kuhnhackl – Sundqvist – Uher

Simon – Porter – Rust

DEFENSEMEN

Pouliot – Lovejoy

Scuderi – O’Neill

Andersen – Gonchar

GOALTENDERS

Matthew Murray

Tristan Jarry

[/hide]

Related posts:

Latest Pens Buzz: Giving Sheary away has backfired, on frustrations brewing towards Matt Murray & More Buzz Default ThumbnailLatest Pens Buzz: Miscalculation of Scuderi signing, Bylsma, Sutter’s futures & more Default ThumbnailRob Scuderi draws praise from Mike Johnston for having a “sharp” camp Default ThumbnailJohnston says Rob Scuderi has had a “very good start” to season