Columbus beat Pittsburgh 4-0 in a preseason game, with NHL.com reporting a 16-15 shot count. The Penguins used a bare-bones lineup, saving most of their 100-plus-game veterans for Saturday’s exhibition finale; goalie Sergei Murashov made 13 saves on 16 shots.
Zach Werenski’s long-range first-period shot through traffic beat Murashov and stood as the game-winner. Val Nichushkin scored next, Ryan Graves knocked the puck into his own net for Columbus’ third goal, and the Blue Jackets added an empty-netter late. Pittsburgh managed only two shots in the opening period.
Conor Dewar won four of 11 faceoffs, and Pittsburgh may need him to start the regular season at center after preseason injuries to Blake Lizotte and Ben Kindel. Dewar’s line with Filip Hallander and Elmer Soderblom was not on the ice for a goal against.
