9 Questions 9 Sleeps before Penguin Puck Drop

Thursday October 13.2022 it all begins.  This Penguin journey will start with a home game against the Arizona Coyotes.  Those 2 points will go a long way toward the Penguins’ 17th consecutive NHL Playoff appearance and another attempt to hoist their 6th Stanley Cup.

As you know, the Penguins have been ousted from the NHL Playoffs in the First Round, the last four years in a row.  Sometimes, because Penguin players simply were not playing up to their highest level.   Sometimes, other teams were just a better team, period.  Sometimes, because of injuries and the flick of a stick.

Regardless, the facts are the facts.  The Penguins have had generational talent for many years.  Yes, they have 3 Cups to show for it, however, the window of opportunity is closing in on them.

With 9 days until the Penguins’ First Game, I have 9 Questions about this years’ Penguin Team.

1.     Is the Core of this Penguins Roster to Old?

2.     Will Jarry #35 become an All-World Goaltender?

3.     Will Malkin #71 regain his MoJo?

4.     How well will Rakell #67 fit in for the entire season?

5.     Can Kapanen #42 play more consistent?

6.     Can the Penguins Defense be better than last year?

7.     Will the Penguins Win the Metropolitan Division?

8.     Can the Penguins Win the Eastern Conference?

9.     Did Penguin Leadership make all the Right decisions?

Let’s Discuss…

1.     Is the Core of this Penguins Roster to Old?

The Penguins are rolling with 10, 30+ year olds.  Age equals Knowledge and Wisdom, however Age usually does not equal Speed.  We want one Turn Back the Age Clock season, please.

2.     Will Jarry #35 become an All-World Goaltender?

Jarry #35 had a great season last year, we are hoping for another one, just injury-free please.

3.     Will Malkin #71 regain his MoJo?

We know Malkin #71 came back from knee injury late last season.  He tried his best for sure, however, it did disrupt some of the Team Defensive Chemistry that was in place prior to his return.  We want All-World Malkin #71 back, please.

4.     How well will Rakell #67 fit in for the entire season?

Rakell #67 has played 11 years in the NHL.  In 2017-18 he scored 34 Goals and 69 Points.  Since then, his production has declined.  We want 2017 Rakell please.

5.     Can Kapanen #42 play more consistent?

Kapanen #42 had a very inconsistent year in 2022.  He played up and down the line-up, never looking comfortable along the way.  We need Kapanen #42 to feel at home and play more of a consistent game on Offense and Defense throughout the year, please.

6.     Can the Penguins Defense be better than last year?

I thought the Penguins D was ok last year.  Penguin Management felt differently, trading for Petry and Ty Smith and Re-Signing Letang #58.  We need this group to gel over the year and then Shut ‘em Down, come the Playoffs, please.

7.     Will the Penguins Win the Metropolitan Division?

This will be a tall task.  The Rangers and the Canes got better.  The Islanders are solid.  It was only because of the inconsistent NHL Covid Protocols, that NYI was not a force to be reckon with last year.   We want a solid season from the Penguins.  Winning the Division is a nice to have.  Let’s go with being healthy and having a cohesive team heading into the Playoffs, please.

8.     Can the Penguins Win the Eastern Conference?

This will be a tall task as well.  All teams appear to have gotten better on paper.  I like our chances, however, I still say, let’s go with being healthy and having a cohesive team heading into the Playoffs, please.

9.     Did Penguin Leadership Make all the Right decisions?

Penguin Management went with the fact that, last years’ Penguins were one shot away, in Double Overtime, from advancing in the Playoffs.  They Re-Signed their Vets, bolstered their D via Trades and feel ready for a Re-Load Run.  We want all their decisions to be correct, please.

My View from the Cheap Seats

Section: TV     Row: PVR     Seat: The Couch

So Many Questions.  Only Days Away from the Answers.

Quote of the Day:

“It’s Time to Play the Game “

Motorhead – Song