Penguins Grades: The Prospects vs. CBJ; The Good…and Bad

On September 25, 2026 the Pittsburgh Penguins faced the Columbus Blue Jackets in the penultimate game of the NHL preseason and recorded a loss, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette, PensBurgh and Pittsburgh Hockey Now. The matchup took place in Columbus and served as the second‑to‑last opportunity for the Penguins to fine‑tune their roster before the regular season begins. Coverage from multiple local outlets highlighted the defeat and its immediate implications for the team’s preparation. The Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette distilled the game into five key takeaways, emphasizing tactical adjustments and player performance.

PensBurgh focused on the points swing, noting the Blue Jackets’ advantage in the penultimate outing. Pittsburgh Hockey Now issued a grading segment that contrasted the prospects’ showings against the Blue Jackets, labeling aspects as "good" and "bad." DK Pittsburgh Sports provided live updates and the final score, while NHL.com published the official preseason lineup for the September 24 contest, offering a snapshot of the roster used against Columbus. These reports collectively underline the preseason’s role as a testing ground for roster depth, coaching strategies and emerging talent. The penultimate game against a regional rival offers a benchmark for the Penguins to assess how their prospects measure up against established NHL competition.

Grading the prospects helps fans and analysts gauge which younger players might earn regular‑season minutes, while the lineup announcement signals the coaching staff’s current preferences. Looking ahead, the Penguins’ final preseason game will determine any last‑minute roster moves before the regular season opener. Observers expect continued analysis from the same outlets, with particular attention to any shifts in the lineup, further grading of prospect performance, and how the team addresses the shortcomings identified in the Columbus loss. The outcome of the concluding exhibition will shape expectations for the Penguins’ opening month of play.