Penguins Play in Playoff Purgatory

We all know that the Pittsburgh Penguins are attempting to make it into the NHL Playoffs for a record 17th season in a row.  We also know that it has been an up and down struggle for the Pens, so far this year.  We can say for fact that, just making it into the dance, is not a forgone conclusion.  Not yet anyway.  And if the Pens do make it, are they just Early Round fodder, again?  (like we have seen over the last 5 years)

That said, Past History tells us that, if you constantly “Go For The Cup” each year, by way of Present Day Trades for Future Draft Picks, while you may be somewhat competitive in the Present, you are actually, eventually, going to run the Draft Cupboard dry in the Future.

Well folks, after 16 years of making the NHL Playoffs, and all the attempted line-up re-jigging that has gone on, the Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Cupboard is dry.  There is no savior in the system.

Hey now, don’t look so sad.  The Penguins did win it all in 2008-09, 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Smile and realize, that is 3 more Chips than the Leafs.  (Their last Cup was in 1967)

Remember last offseason, when Penguins Management re-signed many of their own Free Agents to long term deals, instead of a nice re-jig?

Well as of today, the Penguins are currently up against the Cap.  The current Penguins Roster is full of players that have been signed to long-term deals.

The Penguins have a few upcoming Free Agents that may be a trade option, heading into the March 03.2023 NHL Trade Deadline.  However, who actually wants them and what can we get for them?  Or will Penguins Management re-sign them, like they did last offseason.

There is very little wiggle room for a roster overhaul at this time.

Making the playoffs for 16 years means you are part of the16 clubs that compete for the Cup.  However, that also means, you are then drafting 16th or greater, depending on where you ended up in the standings.

The Penguins have been drafting late in the draft order, since 2007-08.  Which means these players need time to develop in the minors, until they can make a difference in the NHL.

The reality is, there are very view impact players that play immediately from the 16th+ draft slots.

Here is hoping the Penguins clear up their past Issues Between the Pipes sooner rather than later ( you know they never should have traded Fleury right), stay healthy and become more motivated before March 03.2023.

Otherwise, it may be time to activate “The Penguin Way”, avoid another year of Penguins Playoff Purgatory and enter into the Bedard sweepstakes.

The Penguins Way

The Penguins Way, is when you end up in last place overall in the NHL, which allows you to draft the Next Generational Talent.  This High Draft Pick, is a guaranteed impact player who is someone you can then build your future team around.

The proof is in the facts….The Past affects the Present which sets up the Future…See below.

Penguins 1983-84 Last Place = Draft #1 Pick – Mario Lemieux in 1984.

(Pens win the Stanley Cup in 1990-91, 1991-92)

Penguins 2003-04 Last Place = Draft #1 Pick – Sidney Crosby in 2005

(Pens win the Stanley Cup in 2008-09, 2015-16 and 2016-17)

Oh, and by the way, this model has worked most recently in, Colorado-Makar (1 Cup so far), Tampa Bay-Stamkos (2-Cups), Chicago-Toews (3 Cups), and LA Kings-Doughty (2 Cups).

Pittsburgh Penguins as of Feb 08.2023

25-16-9 = 59 pts

5th   -Tied in the Metropolitan Division

7th -Tied in the Eastern Conference

112th -Tied in the NHL (overall)

Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 Wild Card Playoff Spot, Eastern Conference.

My View from the Cheap Seats

Section: TV   Row:  PVR     Seat: Couch

It’s funny how the Past affects the Present, as well as sets up the Future.

It’s really been a marry-go-round, Groundhog Day for the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2016-17.  Losing early in the NHL Playoffs, makes you wonder how close were you, to Winning It All?

All things considered, regarding this years Penguins team, I have seen the Past and have witnessed the Present.  I would look towards the Future and give this roster until Feb27.2023, to show me who they really are.  So essentially, after the Feb 26.23 game against Tampa Bay, we will know exactly who these Penguins really are in the standings.

At this point in time, I believe the facts will prove what my gut is already telling me.  With the Leagues third oldest roster, you can always say, if they were healthy, if they are healthy, if they get healthy…I already know exactly who they Were, Are and Will Be.

The reality is, come Feb27th, they won’t be healthy, will still need a Grade A Goalie, as well as overall team depth.  On this date, activate “The Penguin Way” and re-Load with the Next Generational Talent and hope for a brighter future.  It’s time to flip the script.

Quote of the Day:

“’Cause If You’re Not First – You’re Last”

Talladega Nights:  The Ballad of Ricky Bobby – Movie