Pittsburgh Penguins: The Morning After News And Notes
The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Carolina Hurricanes last night at home after a demoralizing 6-2 loss to the Boston Bruins the night before. It was more disappointment, with the Pens losing 2-1.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are covered in a fog of desperation and regret.
The fans have little faith in the lineup and the management. The players are adjusting to their new coach and one could imagine the more veteran members of the team side-eyeing management a little bit.
And management is probably incredulous that this whole thing is happening.
More from Penguins News
- Welcome To The Burgh: Lars Eller
- Penguins Waddle Toward The Season
- Farewell Carl Hagelin
- Penguins Line-up Breakdown vs Stanley Cup Champs Vegas
- Ryan Graves Solid Signing For The Pittsburgh Penguins
I fear that the tenor of these past few weeks may result in Jim Rutherford rapidly escalating into panic mode, increasing the potential for even more assets to walk out the Pens door for players that may or may not help the team long term.
The team has felt like it was a few goals away from a breakout for all four games of Mike Sullivan’s tenure, yet in reality they’ve managed to average only a goal per game in that time frame. Just take a look at the picture above. Those are shocked faces as Malkin’s shot goes into the net.
What’s the solution? What’s the fix? Is there a fix?
I’m beginning to lean towards the adage of “dance with the one that brung ya” when it comes to this roster. I’d rather see them try with what they have and fail than have Rutherford give away assets for a short term fix.
If he can find a legitimate upgrade that is affordable and will be a real piece of the roster for several seasons, sure. By all means. I don’t know that there is a player like that out there, though.
Now for some links:
About Last Night
Penguins fall again, this time 2-1 to Carolina Hurricanes [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Dave Molinari]
"Bad as things are for the Penguins these days, their season really isn’t in danger of deteriorating into a train wreck. Or a dumpster fire. Maybe a train wreck in a dumpster fire, though."
Penguins lose special teams battle, proves costly [City of Champions Sports – Nate Temple]
"Malkin continued to bolster a lackluster offense with his lone power play tally of the evening. In the young season, 13 of his 15 goals have come on home ice."
Penguins vs. Hurricanes recap: Pens drop 4th straight under Sullivan [Pensburgh – Hooks Orpik]
"Only one Penguin failed to have a shot on goal. That Pen? Phil Kessel."
SULLIVAN 0-4; PENS DOMINATE BUT LOSE TO ‘CANES [Pittsburgh Post Game – Dan Kingerski]
"Daley has made a couple errors, but has made more good plays than bad. His work on the power play point should also earn him a few brownie points with the coaching staff. Daley’s lateral movement on the blue line stands in stark contrast to Kris Letang’s more stationary, shot/fake shot approach."
Around The League
Blue Jackets could trade Johansen [NHL.com – NHL staff]
More from Penguins News
- Welcome To The Burgh: Lars Eller
- Penguins Waddle Toward The Season
- Farewell Carl Hagelin
- Penguins Line-up Breakdown vs Stanley Cup Champs Vegas
- Ryan Graves Solid Signing For The Pittsburgh Penguins
"Center Ryan Johansen could be traded, Columbus Blue Jackets president John Davidson told The Columbus Dispatch."
Connor McDavid now skating with Oilers [Sportsnet – Mark Spector]
"The next step in Connor McDavid’s rehab has begun, as he is back on the ice and skating in Edmonton while his Oilers teammates are on the road."
Most undersung players of the 2015-16 NHL season… so far [SI.com – Allan Muir]
"His 8-4-2 record as the 1B netminder for a non-competitive Flyers team has pushed Neuvirth’s excellent start into the shadows. The eight-year vet, signed as free agent on July 1 to back up Steve Mason, quietly leads the NHL with a .937 save percentage."
Report: Adam Oates Joining Red Wings for Three Days [Winging It In Motown – KyleWiiM]
"According to Dan Muphy of Sportsnet, former Washington Capitals bench boss Adam Oates will join the Red Wings for the next three days to work with the team. Initial thought is that Oates will come in and consult with special teams, more specifically the power-play."
Next: Pens Beaten By Canes Power Play 2-1
Arizona Coyotes Trade Rumors: Goalie Options [Too Many Men On The Site – Ryan Ritchie]
"6. Matt Murray, Pittsburgh PenguinsRecently called up for the first time after Marc-Andre Fleury went down with injury. Murray has dominated the AHL as the top goaltender over the past 14 months. He posted mind-boggling statistics in 2014-15, and remains one of the best goalies without NHL experience."