When the Penguins entered the New Year after losing on the road to the Detroit Red Wings on New Year's Eve, they really faced a tough test against 2 Stanley Cup Contenders in back-to-back road games. But somehow someway, the Penguins came away with 2/4 points, which the Penguins can't ever beat the Hurricanes on the road, and the loss to the Panthers was a crapshoot in a shootout. That is a massive victory.
Collecting points against top teams and staying in the wildcard race shows the Pens can compete
Knowing the roster that the Penguins have and the coach that the Penguins have, it is usually known and very apparent that they can not compete with the top dogs in each conference.
But the fact that they were able to get the last two games to the extra session, and get unlucky in a shootout against the Panthers, shows they can compete in a weak Eastern Conference. All couped with the fact that the Pens are tied for the final wildcard spot in the East but almost every other team has games in hand.
The Penguins face two top teams this week alone and will be a tough test
After Tuesday's bout with the Blue Jackets, the Penguins welcome the Edmonton Oilers to PPG Paints Arena on Thursday, and then after Saturday's bout with the Senators, the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning to PPG Paints Arena.
Everyone knows that it is always a tough battle and a treat to watch when Crosby and McDavid get together. The Oilers are also coming off of a really hard fought 7 game Cup Final series with the Florida Panthers and are a top dog in the West.
The Penguins also get to welcome back old friend and linemate of Crosby's Jake Guentzel to town. The Lightning are usually a top dog in the East but are only in wildcard 1 by a few points so far this season.
The Penguins are going to need to continue to bring their A game against the top teams in both conferences, especially against the Oilers and Lightning this week.