Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Bold Predictions for 2015-16

Mar 26, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) gets ready for the start of the 3rd period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Penguins 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Crosby Will Eclipse 115 Points

Last season is looked at as a “down year” for Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby. In his “down year” he recorded 84 points and placed third in the NHL scoring race. However, he still led the league in points-per-game and likely would have won the Art Ross if it weren’t for the mumps outbreak in the Pens’ locker room.

He boasted a 1.09 PPG last year, and would have ended up around the 90-point mark if he played all 82 games. Can he really increase that back into triple digits?

Yes, he can. Let’s remember that Sid is only one year removed from a 104-point effort in 2013-14 in which he was producing at a clip of 1.3 PPG. If he plays all 82 games and returns to that pace he’s looking at roughly 107 points, and that pace was without a top-5 NHL sniper alongside him.

There’s no indication of which line Kessel will play on, but Sid will benefit from the Pittsburgh Penguins improved top-six no matter who his line mates are. He’ll also reap the benefits of Phil Kessel blasting from the left faceoff dot on the powerplay. Is 115 points a really bold prediction? Yes. But, that’s why I’m writing this, right?

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