"Man of the game" "THE GOAT": NHL fans react as Jesse Puljujarvi pulls off a hat-trick during Penguins vs. Sabres

Jesse Puljujarvi poured in an outstanding performance for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was the pre-season opener, which meant that it was the first time any on-ice competition was taking place across the league. For the first time ahead of the 2024-25 season, teams, such as the Penguins, could see what they're working with.

And for the Penguins, they are working with a player who scored a hat trick. The young player has bounced around the league since being drafted in 2016, but he may have finally found a home with a terrific outing in the pre-season.

Puljujarvi's outstanding performance, even though it came in the pre-season when games don't technically matter, sparked a lot of buzz among Penguins fans and fans across the NHL.

"Making a statement to be in the opening night roster," one fan said.

"We see you Jesse! Looking like a starter," another added.

"Well done! In Finnish hat tricks in ice hockey are called helmet tricks," one fan chimed in.

"Great game by Jesse! I hope he makes the team!" another exclaimed.

Despite the individual brilliance of Puljujarvi, the Penguins were soundly defeated by the Buffalo Sabres. Their defense and goalkeeping were porous, as they yielded seven goals, including a five-goal second period.

Because of that, Pulujujarvi had a negative plus-minus, but he still played well and scored all three of the Penguins' goals in the opener. He has to earn a spot in the opening-day roster, and he's made a statement to that end already.

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Jesse Puljujarvi is angling for a roster spot

Jesse Puljujarvi is working towards a roster spot, something that seemed difficult to imagine just a few weeks ago. He's had a quality training camp and is putting the Pittsburgh Penguins on notice.

Jesse Puljujarvi skates with the puck (Imagn)

He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and has now played with the Carolina Hurricanes and Penguins. He has spent a lot of time in the NHL, but hasn't had a ton of success so far.

Puljujarvi scored two goals in a Team 1 vs. Team 3 scrimmage before the pre-season opened, and then added a hat trick. If he can keep up his impressive form, he could force the Penguins to keep him for the regular season.