This is the end of the hockey that does not matter in the standings. This is the end of many personnel debates, position scraps, and roster battles. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Muse and Kyle Dubas have a few more decisions to make, and they have one more game to judge as the Penguins host the Buffalo Sabres in the team’s preseason finale on Friday at PPG Paints Arena.

The puck drops just after 7 p.m.

Thursday at practice, the team split into two groups. Group B was very obviously the group likely headed to the AHL, as it included the players on AHL contracts and the half dozen players, like Danton Heinen and Valtteri Puustinen, who were put on waivers Thursday afternoon.

Group A was an energetic collection of 26 players, including seven rookies still fighting for roles and spots in the NHL. First-round pick Ben Kindel’s impressive showings over the past week earned him a ticket to the big group, as did former undrafted free agent Avery Hayes’s performances.

There were also a few second-chance players who seemed primed for roles with the Penguins, including speedy defenseman Caleb Jones, who skated on a pairing with Kris Letang in practice.

How to Watch

TV: SNP+

Radio: 105.9 The X

Possible Penguins Lines

Ville Koivunen-Sidney Crosby-Rickard Rakell

Justin Brazeau-Evgeni Malkin-Anthony Mantha

Tommy Novak-Ben Kindel-Philip Tomasino

Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari

Defense

Caleb Jones-Kris Letang

Parker Wortherspoon-Erik Karlsson

Ryan Shea-Matt Dumba/Harrison Brunicke

Penguins Roster

FORWARDS

11 – Filip Hallander

16 – Justin Brazeau

18 – Tommy Novak

19 – Connor Dewar

39 – Anthony Mantha 

41 – Ville Koivunen

46 – Blake Lizotte

53 – Philip Tomasino

55 – Noel Acciari

67 – Rickard Rakell

71 – Evgeni Malkin

81 – Ben Kindel

85 – Avery Hayes

87 – Sidney Crosby

DEFENSE

5 – Ryan Shea

24 – Matt Dumba

27 – Ryan Graves

28 – Parker Wotherspoon

45 – Harrison Brunicke

58 – Kris Letang

65 – Erik Karlsson

75 – Connor Clifton

82 – Caleb Jones

GOALIES

1 – Sergei Murashov

35 – Tristan Jarry

37 – Arturs Silovs

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