Rookies and Backup Goalies Take Center Ice as Wild, Sabres and Rangers Fine‑Tune Preseason Lineups

September 21, 2026 – The NHL’s preseason slate delivered a handful of early‑season experiments as teams fine‑tuned lineups and evaluated prospects ahead of opening night.

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks

The Wild and Blackhawks met in a low‑key preseason clash at the Xcel Energy Center. Both clubs used the game to give minutes to a mix of veterans and newcomers, with the goaltending tandem rotating every period. Minnesota’s coaching staff fielded a blend of returning regular‑season netminders and a rookie who earned his first NHL appearance, while Chicago leaned on a pair of prospects eager to stake a claim for the backup role.

“We’re still in the evaluation phase,” Minnesota head coach said in the post‑game interview, noting that the roster is far from set (NHL.com).

The contest ended without a decisive scoreline, but the emphasis was clear: coaches are looking for consistency in the net and assessing depth‑forward chemistry before the regular season kicks off.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

At the KeyBank Center, the Sabres hosted the Penguins in a preseason test that highlighted both teams’ defensive prospects. Buffalo’s blue‑liner group saw several first‑year contracts receive extended ice time, while Pittsburgh’s forward group featured a mix of seasoned veterans and two draft picks making their NHL debuts.

“It’s about seeing how these guys handle the speed of the game,” Sabres’ development coach remarked (NHL.com).

The Penguins used the opportunity to experiment with a new power‑play configuration, rotating the puck‑handling responsibilities among three forwards. Buffalo, meanwhile, gave its rookie goaltender a full period in net, a move that generated plenty of discussion among the home crowd.

New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils

The Rangers‑Devils matchup at Madison Square Garden offered a nostalgic reminder of the rivalry, even in a preseason setting. Both squads deployed a heavy rotation of forwards, with the Rangers slipping in a veteran winger for a brief stint and the Devils inserting a promising defenseman from their AHL affiliate.

“You can see the energy levels are high, and the kids are hungry to prove themselves,” a Rangers assistant coach observed after the game (NHL.com).

While the final score was not the headline, the game served as a practical audition for several players on the bubble of making the opening‑night roster.

What the Early Tests Reveal

• Depth‑forward competition is fierce. Across all three games, coaches emphasized the importance of two‑way play and special‑teams versatility, suggesting that roster spots will be earned by those who can contribute in multiple situations.

• Goalies are under the microscope. Both the Wild and Sabres gave their rookie netminders a taste of NHL action, indicating that the battle for the backup role will be decided soon.

• Prospects get a platform. The Blackhawks, Penguins, and Devils each showcased at least one prospect in a meaningful shift, underscoring the league’s continued focus on developing home‑grown talent.

As the preseason progresses, fans can expect more of these “evaluation‑first” contests, with coaches fine‑tuning line combinations and scouting reports before the regular season’s official launch. Stay tuned for the next round of matchups, where the stakes—and the ice time—will only get higher.