Penguins/Blue Jackets preseason game wrap up

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 in a preseason matchup at Nationwide Arena on September 24, 2026. Pittsburgh played with a depleted lineup, resting the majority of their veteran NHL regulars for the upcoming exhibition finale. Columbus controlled the contest as Zach Werenski opened the scoring with a first-period wrist shot that held up as the game-winning goal.

Valeri Nichushkin scored the second goal for Columbus, while an own-goal off Pittsburgh defenseman Ryan Graves extended the lead to three before a late empty-netter sealed the win. Pittsburgh goaltender Sergei Murashov stopped 13 of 16 shots on goal, while the Blue Jackets limited the Penguins to only 15 total shots across the game.