Pittsburgh Penguins: Three Expectations For This Season

It’s almost here! Pittsburgh Penguins hockey is just around the corner and we can hardly wait.

The 2017-18 NHL regular season may not be here until October, but preseason action starts next week! The Pittsburgh Penguins will open the preseason against the Buffalo Sabres on Sept. 19. With the offseason we had, it’s finally time to get the ball rolling.

Of course with our back-to-back Stanley Cup winning seasons, the whole league will be watching us, expecting us to go for the three-peat.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Well of course, there’s always going to be expectations on our shoulders. And as fans, we have to expect things from our team as well. No matter what though, they’ve won us a lot.

So here are three expectations I have for the Penguins this season. I’m not going to be basic with these expectations. To keep things interesting, I’m going to set the bar nice and high for the Penguins. It will be their challenge to meet these.

1) Reach 50 wins again

This one shouldn’t be too hard. I’m actually expecting them to surpass their record from last season with 50 wins. We’re a better team, it shouldn’t be that hard.

I’m expecting the Penguins to reach about 53-55 wins. Last season, the Washington Capitals topped the league with 55 wins. I think the league will be better this year but I think the Penguins will be able to reach this goal with the roster they put together.

2) Have at least four 30-goal-scorers

Last season, the Penguins had two 30 goal scorers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. This year I think the Penguins could very well have up to four 30 goal scorers. Mainly, I think Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will repeat with this feat.

I also think Phil Kessel will bounce back after scoring 23 goals last season. I really think he’ll be able to get back to his old, 30 goal scoring self.

Finally, I have a strong feeling that Jake Guentzel will surprise many and score 30 goals. He scored 16 goals in 40 games. Give him a whole season and I think he’ll be able to reach this goal. Let’s not forget, he scored 10 goals in 25 games in the playoffs as well.

3) Win the Eastern Conference

Finally, I think the Penguins have the best chance at winning the Eastern Conference this season.

Last season, the Washington Capitals took this achievement home by topping the entire league with 55 wins and 118 points. Well the Penguins finished second in the league with 50 wins and 111 points.

Next: Kris Letang Cleared for Training Camp

This season, it looks like Washington downgraded quite a bit with certain free agents like Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk leaving the team. First place is our for the taking, and I know we can get it.