Five straight victories for the Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s the tally after last night’s showdown with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Initially, it had all the hallmarks of the classic trap game I flagged in my previous article. But then, the third period rolled around, and Sidney Crosby dazzled us with his 16th career hat trick, his first of the 2023-24 season.
It's WINfographic time ⏰ pic.twitter.com/BNhXMqv4ej
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 15, 2023
Sure, a five-game winning streak isn’t shattering any records, but it does nudge our thoughts towards the Penguins’ illustrious history of winning streaks. For me, it sparks curiosity – can they sustain this momentum? In this article, we’re not just recounting wins; we’re exploring possibilities and history. Let’s get started.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ History of Winning Streaks
The Penguins aren’t just participants in the NHL record books; they don’t just occupy a spot – they own the top spot. Take the 1992-93 season: a jaw-dropping 17-game winning streak. It kicked off with a win over the Boston Bruins on March 9, 1993, and didn’t slow down until they hit a tie against the New Jersey Devils on April 14. Talk about a wild ride!
But that’s not all. The Pens have repeatedly etched their name in the NHL history books with multiple streaks ranking in the top 50 longest. Notably, a 15-game blitz in the 2012-13 season and a 12-game tear in 2010-11. These feats aren’t just impressive; they’ve set a towering standard.
Now, as we watch their current winning streak unfold, it’s pitted against a legacy of excellence. The big question is, can they match or even surpass their own historic highs? How fitting would it be to beat the Devils tomorrow night, considering the history of our winning streaks?
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Can the Pens Sustain Their Winning Momentum?
Taking a look at the Penguins’ upcoming matchups, it’s clear that maintaining their winning streak won’t be a walk in the park. Up next, they’re squaring off against the New Jersey Devils, who, despite currently being on a three-game losing skid, present another classic trap game scenario.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier. They’re lined up to face the Carolina Hurricanes, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Las Vegas Knights, and the New York Rangers – leaders of the Metropolitan Division. Each of these teams sits comfortably in the top five spots of their respective divisions, except for the Knights, who are dominating the Pacific Division. No doubt, these are challenging opponents.
So, can the Pens sustain this winning momentum and etch their name in the history books once more? If I’m taking off my fan glasses for a moment and looking at this objectively – it seems quite the uphill battle. But, imagine the rush if they do manage to outplay these heavyweights and keep the streak alive.
Now, that would be something to witness!
All stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.
All history records courtesy of NHL.com.