The Pittsburgh Penguins may not have done what they wanted to do on the road trip, but they ultimately did what they needed to do.
Nobody enjoys losing, but throughout the course of an NHL season, it is something that is going to happen. That being said, while the Penguins may not be happy with their 2-3 record on their road trip, it is still something that they should be satisfied with. This was one of the toughest stretches they will have all year, and it was very possible that the 2-3 record could have been a little worse.
But, they were able to get the victory in Arizona, and ultimately avoided any severe damage in the Metropolitan standings, which are uniquely close right now. The Pens will now head into the All Star break with a sense of wanting to get back to the ice, and that should make for a great start when they open back up on the 28th against New Jersey.
When they return, the Pens will have four of their first five games back in PPG Paints Arena, and that includes a meeting with the Tampa Bay Lightning. That is a game that has been circled for a long time, and will be a can’t miss game when the time comes.
The Penguins gave up seven in their last game, and it turned the attention to Casey DeSmith. The Goalie play has not been what it was about four weeks ago, and it is not ridiculous to once again start to worry about the goalie play. But just like the 2-3 record the Penguins sported, sometimes losses are eminent, but what is important is how you come back from them. Pittsburgh has a week to prepare, and then we will see how this team responds.