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Penguins Dominated By Leafs in Blow Out – Can Pittsburgh Rebound?

By Justin Otstott

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 7-0. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 7-0. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins faced what can only be described as a debacle against the Toronto Maple Leafs. To sugarcoat it would be a disservice; the Penguins were simply outplayed in every facet of the game during last night’s 0-7 thrashing on the road.

In the wake of such a demoralizing defeat, the question that looms large is whether the Pens can muster the resilience to bounce back. It’s a critical moment for the team to reflect, regroup, and respond to this challenge.

Can the Penguins Respond to Such a Terrible Loss?

While I’m not in the business of fortune-telling, one thing’s clear: the Penguins can’t just skate past this loss. They need to take a hard look in the mirror and make adjustments. Top of the list? Shuffling the lines.

A key move we’ve all been eyeing since Friday is bringing Rakell back, slotting him on the Malkin line. Remember how electric they were in October and early November? It’s time to see if Rakell is the secret sauce line desperately needs.

Sure, some might argue for pairing him with Crosby and Guentzel, but let’s face it, Crosby’s line has been holding its own recently. Reigniting that Malkin line magic? That could be our ticket to turning things around.

Pittsburgh Penguins
TORONTO, CANADA – DECEMBER 16: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against David Kampf #64 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

It’s crucial to address a glaring issue that’s been dogging the Penguins since the season’s start. They’re struggling with defensive play, frequently turning the puck over in their offensive zone.

Worse yet, they seem unable to disrupt their opponents’ offensive rhythm, often leaving them unchecked and vulnerable to relentless attacks leading to goals. This is a deep-rooted problem, one that’s not going to disappear overnight.

Line changes? Sure, they’re a stopgap. But the real game-changer might be a bold trade, though that’s a complex dance with the salary cap constraints.

Responding to this humiliating defeat? Absolutely possible. But the bigger picture is about more than a quick fix; it’s about a systemic overhaul. With the calendar flipping towards year-end and our position in the Metro division basement, time isn’t our ally.

A monumental shift is needed for a playoff shot. It’s not looking very good at this time either.

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