Jesse Puljujarvi scores a hat-trick for the Pittsburgh Penguins

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Finnegan Frost
September 22, 2024 (12:40)

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Former Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi has a extremely strong start to the preseason - scoring a hat-trick in his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jesse Puljujarvi (AKA The Bison King) is starting his NHL season with a chip on his shoulder. During the Penguins 7-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres last night, Jesse Puljujarvi was the only Penguin to light the lamp - not once, but three times.

According to Liam McCormick from Oilers Daily, Just over one minute into the first period, Puljujarvi scored the first goal of the preseason with a clean tip-in. Midway through the second period, Puljujarvi scored two goals in 19 seconds to complete the hat trick, and both were beauties. On the road in Buffalo, just one hat came down on the ice for the Bison King.

Puljujarvi even got engaged physically during the game, standing up for a teammate after a big hit in the corner. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has noted that Puljujarvi looks much better this year compared to last. Despite Puljujarvi's best efforts, the Penguins lost 7-3 to the Sabres.

As per ESPN, Unrestricted free agent forward Jesse Puljujarvi signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins that spans through the 2024-25 season, the team announced Sunday. The deal carries an average annual value of $800,000 for Puljujarvi, who signed a professional tryout with Pittsburgh on Dec.

Puljujarvi, who was once a beloved member of the Oilers franchise struggled to gain traction in northern Alberta. Although he showed flashes on brilliance at times, he was never really able to solidify his role on the team.

It's nice to see Puljujarvi have some success, even if its just at the preseason level.

source: Oilers Daily
Jesse Puljujarvi scores hat trick in first game of the NHL year