Penguins To Watch in Prospect Challenge Finale

The Pittsburgh Penguins prospects will carry a 1-1 record into their Prospects Challenge finale against the Buffalo Sabres. After a day off on Sunday, the Penguins prospects have one last chance to impress Penguins' brass ahead of training camp later this week.

Here is who you should be keeping an eye on in Buffalo.

Joel Blomqvist/Taylor Gauthier

These two Penguins' goaltenders impressed in their first appearances over the weekend. Blomqvist suffered a shaky start, allowing a goal under two minutes into the opening game against the Boston Bruins on Friday. The Finnish netminder found his footing and shut down a Bruins 5 on 3, showcasing his ability to carry a team in a tough spot. He allowed one other goal before being pulled halfway through the game.

Gauthier sat out the opening game but made his presence felt in the Penguins' second game against the Ottawa Senators. Entering his second professional season, Gauthier played the full 60 minutes and collected the win in the Penguins 8-3 victory.

Gauthier and Blomqvist will continue to battle for the crease all season long as they both hope to earn playing time with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (WBS) of the AHL this season.

Jagger Joshua

If you didn't know this kid's name before Saturday, you should know now. Joshua made an immediate impact in his first game action in a Penguins jersey. The physical winger made his presence felt early on, laying a massive check on his first shift of the game.

Joshua's impact was felt throughout the afternoon as he antagonized the Senators with his physicality. The 24-year-old Michigan native is coming off a career season for Michigan State, where he led the Spartans with 13 goals.

Following the season, Joshua signed a minor-league contract with the AHL Penguins, playing seven games at the tail end of the season. His menacing play style will stand out in a Penguins organization that is in short supply of that trait.

Isaac Belliveau

Belliveau is entering the first year of his shiny new contract with the Penguins. In March, the Penguins 2021 5th-round pick signed a three-year ELC with the team.

The 20-year-old defenseman is looking to climb the organizational depth chart, and his strong showing over the weekend provided a solid jumping-off point. While Belliveau has a large frame (6'2", 185 lbs.), he plays a more offensive style from the blue line.

Last season, Belliveau played 55 games for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, scoring 46 points (11G - 35A). The Penguins' defense relies on pinching in the offensive zone and transitioning well from defense to offense. Belliveau boasts the skill set to fit in well in the Penguins system.

The Penguins prospects finish their Prospects Challenge tonight at 5 P.M. against the Buffalo Sabres.