Pittsburgh Penguins Training camp is wrapping up as we speak. Players are being sent down to the minors, cut or being considered in potential trades by Penguins Management.
As the Penguin Roster becomes somewhat solidified and players are slotted into their Lines, we are left wondering how This Season will actually play out? Will Crosby #87 lead the Penguins once again? Will Malkin #71 be Malkin? Will Letang #59 continue on his Fountain of Youth tour? Will Jarry#35 become the NHL Elite Goalie we need him to be, in order to Win the Cup?
Thursday October 13.2022 it begins. So, let’s have a look at how I think this First Month of Penguin Hockey will play out. It’s what I call, Pen’s Picks.
(It’s just for Fun and Not for Betting).
Here is the Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule for the Month of October 2022.
1. Oct 13 vs Arizona
2. Oct 15 vs TB
3. Oct 17 @ Montreal
4. Oct 20 vs LA
5. Oct 22 @ Columbus
6. Oct 24 @ Edmonton
7. Oct 25 @ Calgary
8. Oct 28 @ Vancouver
9. Oct 29 @ Seattle
Pen’s Picks…
1. Oct 13 vs Arizona
Arizona is still a tire fire. This season they are temporarily playing in the Arizona State University’s 5000 seat arena. Yikes. Penguins are in the discussion as a Cup Contender, Arizona is not.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
2. Oct 15 vs TB
Tampa Bay is still in the Cup Contender Conversation and have been for the last five Seasons. They have been losing players every year because of the Cap. Long playoff runs usually means a “Next Year Hangover”, early in the season. The Penguins beat them in game 1 last year, I think they can do it again this year.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
3. Oct 17 @ Montreal
Montreal was terrible last season. They have been trying to improve in the offseason, however it is really tough to replace an All-World D in Shea Webber, (Injured Long Term and Traded the Vegas) as well as All-World Goalie in Carey Price (Injured Long Term and might never play again). Head Coach Martin St.Louis will help the overall re-build, just not in this game.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
4. Oct 20 vs LA
The LA Kings are ready to take the next step. This group gained a huge amount of experience last year. The Kings played the Pens really tough in both matches last season. The Kings Pumped the Pens 6-2 in LA, then won 4-3 in Pitts. They are strong down the middle, with solid D and good Goalies.
Pen’s Pick: LA Kings
5. Oct 22 @ Columbus
It’s always fun messing around with your little Brother, and Columbus is our little brother. Yes, CBJ added Gaudreau to the line-up, however I don’t see it changing much. The Pens beat ‘em up last year; 5-2, 3-2, 5-1, 5-3. I see that happening again.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
6. Oct 24 @ Edmonton
So, Edmonton is an interesting team. They have 2 of the best players in the league with McDavid and Draisaitl in their Line-up. They made the Final Four last year, but got pounded by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion, Avalanche. They upgraded their Goalie by adding Jack Campbell from Toronto. They still have missing pieces, however the Oilers are really tough to play in Edmonton, and especially when the Penguins are on this Western Road Swing.
Pen’s Pick: Oilers
7. Oct 25 @ Calgary
Calgary lost to it’s big brother Edmonton, in last years Second Round of the Playoffs. They then lost their sniper Gaudreau to Columbus in Free Agency. They Traded away gritty forward Tkachuk to Florida for points producer, Huberdeau. Then they picked up a Stanley Cup Champion, Kadri from the Aves. I’m not convinced.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
8. Oct 28 @ Vancouver
They are trying to hit the re-set button. They appear strong down the middle, ok on D as well as between the pipes. I just don’t think they are there just yet. A piece or two or three away still.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
9. Oct 29 @ Seattle
Last place in the Pacific Division was predicted, especially in their inaugural season. Goalie Grubauer underperformed last season, sure, but he was not and is not, the savior for this franchise. Still too many holes to fill on this roster.
Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
Here is how I see October playing out for the Penguins…it looks like a good start to me, enjoy.
Pen’s Picks: October 2022
7 Wins
2 Losses
Pen’s Picks Overall Record in 2021-22: Wins: 22 Losses: 10
Nov 15.21 Penguins Enter Canada with a Free Trade Agreement: 6 Wins / 3 Losses
Dec 06.21 Pens vs Eastern Conference – Part 1: 7 Wins / 3 Losses
Jan 27.21 Pens vs Eastern Conference – Part 2: 9 Wins / 4 Losses
May 02.22 Penguins vs Rangers 2022 Playoff Preview: I called it going 7 games.
Quote of the Day:
“It’s ok, You can have Your Own Opinion, but it’s wrong…lol“
Marc Penner -Author/Writer