Three Pittsburgh Penguins with something to prove

As the Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they have a few players leaving us needing more. Now it’s time to prove it.

There are plenty of different ways to look at the incoming playoffs for the Pittsburgh Penguins. For starters, they can’t sleep on the Montreal Canadiens. Even if the series is No. 5 vs. No. 12, it’s no time to take it easy. Besides that, look at it as a measuring stick for where the organization is as a whole, and where specific players might be moving forward.

When looking at Pittsburgh, three specific players have boatloads worth of opportunities coming up to prove themselves. Besides the apparent look at Matt Murray, these other three Penguins needs to give it there all and prove they can still belong. If not just belonging, being an adequate part of the veteran leadership from the foreseeable future.

3. Kris Letang

There is no rumor to big or too small with speculation surrounding the play of Kris Letang. Tanger has been up and down all year, and even though his offense has proven instrumental, his defense has been horrific at times. With the NHL Playoffs looming, he could do himself and the Pittsburgh Penguins well by performing like his old self. Re-leading the blueline should be priority number 1.

Three Pittsburgh Penguins with something to prove

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2. Conor Sheary

The man with many names (I.E., Sid’s best friend, Sully’s inlaw, and the little grinder that could) has a lot to prove or at least show this offseason. Conor Sheary has been pivotal in previous playoff series,’ but this season, he has a lot on the line. A new contract, unrest in the stands, and a lower stat line than usual. Being on Sid’s Line can help him move leaps and bounds if he wants to stick around.

1. Evgeni Malkin

This might be a head-scratcher for some, but Evgeni Malkin is on a retribution path. After a few years of “fall from grace” styles of play, Geno has turned it up again this season. Leading the Pens in points, and earning accolades along the way has only helped solidify his calling. Now, all that’s left is continuing this run into the playoffs. If Geno stays the course, nothing can stop the Pens.

Short, sweet, and to the point, these three Penguins players have something to prove moving forward. If Tanger, Sheary, and Geno can bring the A games, then the Pittsburgh Penguins should be a fierce competitor over the next few months. In them proving there worth and leading from the front, it means that others can either follow in their steps or grow from their actions.