Well, the Pittsburgh Penguins obviously missed the article I wrote last week that stated, If the Penguins Win THEN they Will Get In.
The Penguins had a tough weekend, losing to the New York Islanders TWICE, as well as taking one to the mouth against New Jersey. And the slide begins.
A quick look at the NHL standings, shows the following…
Pittsburgh Penguins as of Feb 21.2023
27-20-9 = 63 pts
5th -in the Metropolitan Division
9th -in the Eastern Conference
14th -Tied in the NHL (overall)
Pittsburgh Penguins are one point out of the #2 Wild Card Playoff Spot, Eastern Conference….ouch.
We have stated all year that this team has issues. These Last Three Games, just proved it once again. They Penguins are competitive when they want to be. Apparently, that is only for around 45 minutes of a 60-minute game….yikes.
It appears this team is Frozen in Time.
They are playing from memory, of a time when they ruled the NHL World. However, like the dinosaurs, over time, it appears, they have become extinct. A Fossil.
The Penguins think they are playing fast. They used to, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they have Rock-Solid Goaltending. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think they have an MVP Defenseman. They used to, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they have a Deep and Talented Defensive group. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think they can roll out four quality NHL Lines anytime during a game. They used to, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they have the players that can play solid Team D. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think they are a good puck possession team. They used to be, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they have an aggressive team. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think they can make tape to tape passes through traffic anytime they want. They used to, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they don’t turn the puck over at Pivotal Game Changing Moments. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think that 33+ shots per game is good. It used to be, but not any more.
Penguins Management thinks they can hold a 1-Goal Lead. They used to, but not any more.
The Penguins think they can Turn It On at will. They used to, but not any more.
Penguins Management looks at the schedule and sees easy games coming up. They used to be, but not any more.
The Pittsburgh Penguins still control their own destiny. The Wild Card Playoff races are full on. The second half of the season is well under way and all games really mean something. A quick look out the front window shows me a Panther and an Islander are in the way. A slight glance in the rear-view mirror shows me, a Capital, a Buffalo, and a Red Wing are just waiting for a Penguins losing streak to overtake them.
Oh, and by the way, the Penguins are on a 3-game losing streak as we speak. 1, 2, 3, Panic. Elvis has left the stage and has officially started walking towards the exit. Oh No, no no no…
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: Couch
I watched the Friday February 17.2023 game against the New York Islanders. That was a game the Penguins pretty much owned and should have been able to lock down for the Win.
Put it to you this way, last year’s team would have. However, this year’s team cannot.
Something is off with this team compared to last year. I’m sure age is part of it. Intensity and the will to win is another. I do know there is a lot of Pride in that room. I would be surprised if they gave up the battle just yet. I’m just wondering how much heart is actually left in them.
My other question is, where is Penguins Management in all of this? They built this team, re-signed the players they thought were going to contend for the cup. Yikes, did they ever miss the boat on this year’s roster.
I have stated, IF the Penguins Play Basic Hockey, THEN they will Win. Well, given what I witnessed this weekend, I’m not sure that playing BASIC PENGUINS HOCKEY will produce a win anymore.
I think the Push to the Playoffs, and a real sense of urgency, just kicked in, for this Penguins team.
The NHL Trade Deadline is March 03.2023. One trade will not help this team. It needs to be multiple. And it needs to be Now.
History tells us, that the Dinosaurs are extinct because they did not or could not adapt.
Penguins however, found a way to diversify, adapt and evolve, enabling them to survive in the harshest of climates. It’s Time to Evolve.
Quote of the Day:
“Adapt and Overcome”
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