Pittsburgh Penguins: Three Questions to Ask Before 2018
With just under two weeks left in 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins and fans alike need to ask themselves three questions.
Is the even strength play good enough?
Are the Penguins okay if Matt Murray sustains another injury?
Is General Manager Jim Rutherford going to make a move before the deadline?
These three questions are important for Penguins fans to think about before the new year comes around. The answers although may seem simple, but may be more complex than we think.
Is the even strength play of the Penguins good enough?
No.
The even strength play of the Pittsburgh Penguins has not been good enough to keep up with the rest of the league. The Penguins so far have relied heavily on the power play to generate a lot of goals. The offensive play of the Penguins defenseman is causing too many turnovers and odd man rushes.
The reason the Penguins have been losing so many games is the lack of defensive play. Too many player are skating through the defense getting easy access to Murray.
The goal total for the Penguins as well. The Penguins have not been able to score even strength, which is the most important part of the game.
Are the Penguins stable without the net minding of Matt Murray?
The Penguins have gone 6 of the last 7 games without the presence of goal tender Matt Murray. Murray, who sustained a lower-body injury during a 5-4 win against the Flyers. After Jakub Voracek collided into Murray, he was helped off the ice and did not return to the game.
Replacing Murray was the 22 year-old kid that was in Wilkes-Barre Scranton a month and a half ago.
Jarry, who was named the starter with the absence of Murray went 4-2-0 and was pulled early in the December 9 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This year, Jarry posts a .919 save percentage and owns a 2.49 GAA.
Jarry is an aggressive goalie that is eager to stop all of the pucks that are coming to him.
Clearly, he needs work on stopping the pucks that are looking to travel through the five-hole but has a strong glove and handles the puck well.
Overall, the Penguins can succeed without a healthy Murray until the playoffs start.
Is General Manager Jim Rutherford Looking to Make Another Move?
In order for the Penguins to be contenders for a third straight Stanley Cup championship, they need to add another piece, or two.
With Carter Rowney back in the line up, Greg McKegg was sent down to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins due to his poor play.
Dominik Simon has also been called up to play in the place of an injured Tom Kuhnackl.
The Penguins need to look to add another defenseman or another center man.