Pen’s Picks October 2023

Welcome Back to Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey.  We Missed You.  Some people out there think that Summer is the Best Season, while others think Fall is the Best.

My Favorite Season is Hockey Season.

So much has happened over the summer with the Penguins, like a New Gm, like some New Players, and can you say We Pens Fans actually have a New Hope.

I am so excited to get this season going, so let’s get at it.

This is Called Pen’s Picks.  It’s where I look at the upcoming Penguins Schedule for the Month and predict the outcomes of the games.  The tough part is predicting who wins so far in advance, especially with injuries that happen later in the month.  However, I’m up for the challenge.

So last year, I predicted the Penguins would be 52-30 over the entire 82 game schedule and making the Playoffs.  They actually ended up 40-31-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 years, by one point.

You know if they would have won all those overtime games, they end up with a record of 51-31 (so I’m really only off by 1 game and take note, they would have made the playoffs).  If only they could hold on to a lead, eh!

That was last year, this is a new year with a new outlook and so much promise.

Fun Fact:  I have yet to actually watch an actual NHL Game this year, of any team.  So, I am totally guessing here…lol.

Here are my Pen’s Picks for the month of October 2023.

The NHL Schedule maker must be a Penguins fan because 7 of their 9 games in October are against non-playoffs teams from last year.  The Pens first 5 games are also against non-playoff Teams.

Here is the Penguins upcoming schedule for the Month of October.

1.     Oct 10. Vs Chicago

2.     Oct 13. @ Washington

3.     Oct 14. Vs Calgary

4.     Oct 18. @ Detroit

5.     Oct 21. @ St. Louis

6.     Oct 24. Vs Dallas

7.     Oct 26. Vs Colorado

8.     Oct 28. Vs Ottawa

9.     Oct 30. Vs Anaheim

Oct 10. Vs Chicago

Last year the Pens beat Chicago 5-3 at home, then lost to them in April 5-2, in what should have been an easy win, which would have also got them into the playoffs.  Instead, it was a motivated Chicago team that ended up playing the role of spoiler, ending the Penguins Playoffs streak.

The Hawks unveil their new savior Connor Bedard and a few new add-ins.

The Penguins start this year off at home, with new blood and should be very motivated to get back into the playoffs.  They know first hand, every point matters, whether its October or April.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Oct 13. @ Washington

Last year the Pens lost 3-2 in a shootout, then won 4-3 in March.

The Caps are healthy again and want back into the Playoffs.  They are strong up the middle, have overall toughness and #8 is chasing history (on 73 Goals behind Wayne Gretzky for the Most All-Time NHL Goals.)

Both teams really like their 30-year-olds.  So, this Golden Oldie game might take you down memory lane or feel like you are watching your dad’s Oldtimers game…lol.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Oct 14. Vs Calgary

Last year the Penguins got their shirt handed to them in Calgary, losing 4-1.  This was game two of a 7-game Penguin skid.  The Pens redeemed themselves with a tight 2-1 Shootout win in November.

The Flames were an odd duck last year.  They seemed to have enough talent to make the playoffs, however, Markstrom struggled, as did Huberdeau and the team chemistry.

I must be drinking to much of the Penguins cool aid, but I still see the Pens as being the much better and deeper team here.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Oct 18. @ Detroit

Last year the Penguins lost 5-4 in OT, lost 7-4 in March, then beat them 5-1 in April.

With Yzerman in his 5th season as the Gm of the Winged Wheel.  They have been getting better each year since he took over in 2019.   Remember Yzerman created the Tampa Bay Lightning Dynasty in 9 years, before moving back home to Motown. They will be good.

Pen’s Pick: Detroit

Oct 21. @ St. Louis

Last year the Pens beat the Blues 6-2 as well as 3-2 in OT.

The Blues have been trying to regain their mojo since winning the cup in 2018-2019.

I’m not seeing it overall in their lineup and Binnington has not really played like he did when they won it all.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Oct 24. Vs Dallas

Last year the Pens beat Dallas 2-1, then lost to them, 3-2 in March.

Dallas are for real.  Deep on forwards, Benn is on the third line!!!  They also play tight  D and have a Top 6 Goalie, in Oettinger.

Pen’s Pick: Dallas

Oct 26. Vs Colorado

Last year the Pens beat the Avs 2-1 in OT as well as 5-2 in March.

The Aves were hurt last year, and it showed up in the regular season as well as the playoffs with them losing in Round 1.

They still have the core of a Champion.

Pen’s Pick: Colorado

Oct 28. Vs Ottawa

Last year the Pens lost 5-4 in OT then beat them two days later 4-1.  They did lose to them 2-1 in March.

Ottawa’s kids are getting older and getting better every year.  Sprinkle in some vets, tough D and it all comes down to Goaltending.

I don’t think they are there yet.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Oct 30. Vs Anaheim

Last year the Pens won 6-3 and 4-3 in OT.

The Ducks are trying to build it.   Gritty bunch with a good goalie.

Pen’s Pick: Pittsburgh

My View from the Cheap Seats

Section: TV     Row: PVR     Seat: The Couch

The hard part of Pen’s Picks, is trying to predict the outcome of theses games so far in advance.  There is no doubt, that I would pick differently, had I known certain players were injured and were not in the Lineup.

Pens Picks: October 2023

6 Wins

3 Losses

My Overall Pens Picks Record in 2022-23 was:

I predicted the Penguins would be 52-30 Overall.

They actually ended up 40-31-11 (so 40-42 overall)

My Overall Pens Picks Record in 2021-22 were as follows:  I only Predicted some games.

22 Wins

10 Losses

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 infuriates me to be wrong when I know I’m right“

Moliere – Actor / Playwright