Think back to a time when you were extremely excited about something, whether it was a product, event, relationship, etc. Remember how exciting it was when it came to fruition? Remember when that something ended up being even better than you had imagined it could be?
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Now, imagine that specific something falling apart right in front of your face. After such high hopes, it comes crashing down like a planned skyscraper implosion. That’s what the 2014-15 Pittsburgh Penguins have done.
The Penguins have had their share of issues this season. No other franchise has dealt with the types of medical issues that they have. However, injuries aside, the hockey that this team has played since January is unacceptable.
From October through December the Pittsburgh Penguins were 23-9-5. They were absolutely dominant. It was actually quite the pleasant surprise considering they weren’t experiencing the growing pains of a new Coaching staff and retooled roster.
Offensive production has become a thing of the past…
But, the growing pains showed up in a big way over the last three months. Their record since the New Year is 18-15-6. Offensive production has become a thing of the past and the Pittsburgh Penguins have resorted to playing dump and chase hockey in an attempt to spark something. There has been no spark and the Penguins now sit in a wild card spot thanks to the Washington Capitals victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.
A common argument is that Pittsburgh Penguin fans are spoiled and shouldn’t be complaining about a season in which they’ve surpassed forty wins once again. But, that doesn’t excuse the Penguins from their disappearing act in the second half of the season.
Last weekend the Penguins faced the Arizona Coyotes and San Jose Sharks in a back-to-back and did so with only five healthy defensemen. They rallied together and came away with all four available points. Mike Johnston was quoted as saying that he felt it could be a turning point for them. I agreed whole-heartedly.
Apr 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) skates with the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) defend during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
That was until Wednesday night when the Pittsburgh Penguins were smoked by the Philadelphia Flyers. A story that seems all too familiar. They were embarrassed on home ice and booed as they exited by the Consol Energy Center crowd. At least what was left of them.
The Penguins have five games remaining in the regular season. They are essentially cemented into the post season with seeding still up in the air. However, they have perished at the absolute worst possible time. Considering the results of our recent poll found here, fans have very little confidence that this team can right the ship for the playoffs.
At this point, the Eastern Conference is still wide open, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are quickly proving to be a pretender. I’m not being pessimistic, I’m simply being realistic.