The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering another pivotal stretch of games coming up. From Feb 01.22 to March 08.22, the Penguins will be playing against Eastern Conference Teams,again. This stretch of 13 games consists of key Conference games that will be pivotal in determining the seeding in the Eastern Conference. Let’s have a look at these upcoming games and I’ll give you my Pens Picks.
The Upcoming Schedule
Tue, Feb 1 vs Washington
Tue, Feb 8 @ Boston
Thu, Feb 10 @ Ottawa
Sun, Feb 13 @ New Jersey
Tue, Feb 15 vs Philadelphia
Thu, Feb 17 @ Toronto
Sun, Feb 20 vs Carolina
Thu, Feb 24 vs New Jersey
Sat, Feb 26 vs New York
Sun, Feb 27 @ Columbus
Thu, Mar 3 @ Tampa Bay
Fri, Mar 4 @ Carolina
Tue, Mar 8 vs Florida
So, if you remember in November, I wrote that the Penguins had an important block of games against Canadian Teams. (See this article: Penguins enter Canada with Trade Agreement)
My Pens Picks were: The Penguins were to have a record of: 6 Wins / 3 Losses
Actual Results: The Penguins actual record was: Won 6 / Lost 3
In December, I wrote that the Penguins had another tough block of games on their schedule against Eastern Conference teams (Dec06-31st). On Dec 06th I wrote, “how this ten-game block will be a tell-tale sign of where the Penguins were heading in 2022”.
My Pens Picks were: I’m thinking the Penguins go: 7 Wins, 3 Losses.
Actual Results: Now, at the time of the NHL Covid Christmas shutdown break, the Penguins had won 7 in a row. I had predicted they would go 7-3, and at the shutdown, they had already won 5. With 5 games remaining, in this all-important block of games, it is easy to determine that the Penguins would have won at least two more games (if not more), making my prediction spot on, again.
So, as of Jan27.2022, The Penguins are beating teams below them in the standings, as they should and playing hard against those above them. They won’t win them all folks. They just need to grab a few more wins against the top dogs. And guess what, the Penguins will get their chance, during this upcoming block of 13-games.
Winning is all about Trust. Trust your Self. Trust your Line Mates. Trust your Teammates. Trust your Coaches. Trust the Game Plan. Trust Management. Trust the Process.
Pittsburgh is currently on a roll, winning 6 in a row and 17 of their last 19 games. It’s been super fun to watch. Pick up as many of those W’s as you can and put them in the Penguin Bank.
Key Components of the Pittsburgh Penguins game to date.
The Penguins are a hard hitting, tight fore-checking team
The Penguins focus on limiting their turnovers and give aways
The Penguins are good at creating turnovers and give aways
The Penguins are good in the faceoff circle
The Penguins have a balanced Offensive attack.
The Penguins rarely chase the game.
The Penguins are focused on Team Defense, which usually means a win.
The Penguins have Jarry, who has been Rock-Solid this year between the pipes.
The Penguins can win anywhere, anytime. It really comes down to health, execution and Jarry, who is the actual Key to the Cup.
Pens Picks as of Jan27.2022
Feb 1 vs Washington – These games are always a Barometer test between these two clubs. I feel this is a win-able game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Tue, Feb 8 @ Boston – The Bruins are getting healthy and have solidified their goalie issues, by signing Rask. Boston can be beat. I just don’t think it will be in this particular game. I see this as a let-down game for the Penguins. Pens to lose this one.
Thu, Feb 10 @ Ottawa – The Sens are who we thought they were, a young plucky group however, just not ready yet. Keep in mind the last time the Pens played them, the Senators Outshot the Pens, out Hit the Pens, had Less Turnovers and Won more Faceoffs than the Penguins. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Sun, Feb 13 @ New Jersey – The Devils gave the Penguins the wake-up call they needed, in the October game. The December game was a tight one. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Tue, Feb 15 vs Philadelphia – The Flyers are in trouble. I am not going to pile on them at this time. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Thu, Feb 17 @ Toronto – The Leafs are always an interesting team. They have world class players, however always seem to be missing something. I have been wrong calling the Leafs to beat the Penguins in both the games they played, this season. The Penguins kicked the Leafs 7-1, then beat them 2-0. Proving the Penguins can win anyway this season. I feel the Penguins will win this game. Penguins to Win.
Sun, Feb 20 vs Carolina -The Canes are for real folks. They put together a 9-game win streak to begin the season and have kept the pressure on teams in every game they have played since. They are young, talented and hungry, which is a scary mix for a number of teams this year. I see this as a let-down game for the Penguins. Pens to lose this one.
Thu, Feb 24 vs New Jersey – See above. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Sat, Feb 26 vs New York Rangers – Are the NY Rangers for real? After 43 games, it appears so. I’m still expecting the annual Blueshirt slump to occur. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Sun, Feb 27 @ Columbus – The Blue Jackets are not where they thought they would be. Injuries, Covid and player slumps have all contributed to this disappointing season. They are Sellers and thinking of next year. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Thu, Mar 3 @ Tampa Bay – The Lightning are Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Champions. I think the Penguins match up nicely against them and will likely face them in the Playoffs. However, not this game. I see this as a let-down game for the Penguins. Pens to lose this one.
Fri, Mar 4 @ Carolina – See above. I see this as a let-down game for the Penguins. Pens to lose this one.
Tue, Mar 8 vs Florida – The Panthers are for real folks. Another group that is young, talented and hungry, which is as mentioned earlier, always a scary mix to play against. They have something to prove. I feel this is a must win game for the Penguins. Penguins to Win.
Pittsburgh Penguins as of 27.2022
27-10-5 = 59 Points
2nd in the Metropolitan Division (Up from 7th Place in Oct)
4th in the Eastern conference (Up from 13th Place in Oct)
5th in the NHL overall (Up from 22nd overall in Oct)
Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 Playoff Spot, in the Metropolitan Division (Eastern Conference).
Pens Picks:
For this pivotal block of 13-games, I’m thinking the Penguins go: 9 Wins, 4 Losses. Time will tell.
My View from the Cheap Seats
I see this upcoming block of 13-games against Eastern Conference foes, like a huge litmus test for the penguins. They won’t win them all. However, I am interested in seeing how they match up, how they play, the style they choose to play and how healthy they are after these 13 games.
This block of games will determine the seeding in the Eastern Conference as well as how the Penguins see their Playoff run unfolding. The NHL Trade Deadline is March 21.2022l. The Penguins will know which holes they need to fill, well before this date.
Quote of the Day:
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
Muhammad Ali – Champion Boxer