USA TODAY Sports

Penguins Top Prospects Lead Way in Challenge Finale

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat | Last updated 9/18/23

Training camps are just around the corner but before the Pittsburgh Penguins reconvene at the practice facility there was one more contest at the annual prospect challenge.

The Penguins’ prospects lined up against the host Buffalo Sabres and looked to continue their scoring momentum they built against the Ottawa Senators.

Joel Blomqvist returned between the pipes as the starting netminder and Sam Poulin looked to remain on track in a strong tournament.

It wouldn’t take long for Poulin and the Penguins to show their momentum as he picked up the opening goal just a few seconds into the game.

A Sabres prospect was down injured behind the net, but the Penguins continued to play with no whistle being blown.

After intercepting a pass, defenseman Justin Lee found Poulin who made a nifty move just atop the crease.

Poulin’s tally was the only goal in the opening frame as Blomqvist fended off a few Sabres’ opportunities.

Full play: pic.twitter.com/BPLCg4jKdL https://t.co/SXjN9ka3Vl
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) September 18, 2023

The second period started with a partial breakaway from Brayden Yager, but the fresh sheet of ice got the best of him.

Yager slipped before fully getting a break and never got a shot off, but later in the period he would get another great chance.

The play started in the Penguins zone when Yager managed to poke possession away from a Sabres skater then beat another one in a foot race for the loose puck.

Yager made a solid move himself on his short breakaway chance and found the back of the net with a great lifted backhand shot.

The Penguins top prospects were playing strong as they led the way with a 2-0 lead heading into the final frame.

Jagger Joshua made a name for himself against the Senators for being a pest and under the opponent's skin all game and he found contribution against the Sabres.

With the netminder pulled in the final minutes, Joshua found the open net to give the Penguins a 3-0 lead.

Joshua’s goal seals the deal, and with that, the Prospect Challenge is over pic.twitter.com/4DtskBF3WP
— WBS Penguins (@WBSPenguins) September 18, 2023