Pittsburgh Penguins Roundtable
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Penguins: Sidney Crosby's Chase Of Wayne Gretzky's NHL Point-Per-Game Record
'When He Speaks, Everyone Listens': How Sidney Crosby's Mentorship Has Passed On To Multiple Generations Of Teammates
Penguins Dominated By Lightning, Lose 6-1
Well, that one was a doozy for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In fact, it was one of their worst losses of the season.
On Tuesday, the Penguins were outclassed by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 6-1 rout, pretty much being outplayed after the first few minutes of the game. Pittsburgh registered four of the first five shots on goal, and after that, the Lightning completely took over the game.
Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry was pulled after allowing four goals on the first six shots. Anthony Cirelli opened the scoring a little more than 12 minutes into the opening frame, picking up a rebound off a Ryan McDonagh shot in the low slot area and sneaking it past Jarry. McDonagh got a goal of his own just over a minute later, as he threw the puck at the net from a sharp angle on the left wall that hit Penguins forward Rickard Rakell's skate and went in.
But the Lightning just kept coming. Cirelli potted his second goal of the game - and 26th of the season - less than two minutes later, and Brayden Point put one home 48 seconds after that to chase Jarry from the game and put the Bolts up, 4-0.
All four goals happened in a span of less than four minutes, and it pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game, in which the Lightning outshot the Penguins, 27-15.
"We just didn't play well enough," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "Most of the first, I didn't think it was all that bad, but it just seemed like every chance went in the net. It was one of those nights."
Nikita Kucherov added insult to injury within the last five minutes of the second period, as he capitalized on a Lightning power play resulting from a Ryan Graves interference penalty that sent him crashing into Alex Nedeljkovic, who had relieved Jarry in the first. And before the middle frame was over - with less than a minute remaining - Brandon Hagel put home his 33rd goal of the season to give Tampa Bay the 6-0 lead.
Pittsburgh did add a late tally during a mini-push near the end of the third period, as Bryan Rust tipped a Matt Grzelcyk shot from the point to get the Penguins on the board. And Sidney Crosby did register the secondary assist, putting him just one point shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's point-per-game seasons record.
But all of it was too little, too late, and the Penguins know they can't let games get away from them early on. The good news is that they will get right back at it against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, and they have a chance to wipe this one from memory pretty quickly.
"We just gotta reset," Rakell said. "Look at the next game, learn from our mistakes today, and just restart. It's a new game for us, a new chance for us to respond."
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Penguins V. Lightning Preview: Crosby On Verge Of NHL History
After blowing a two-goal lead to the Florida Panthers en route to a 4-3 shootout loss Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins will look to rebound against the other team residing in the sunshine state.
On Tuesday, the Penguins will take on ex-Penguin Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who took the first two games of their season series. And Pittsburgh's captain has a chance to make NHL history.
Captain Sidney Crosby is just two points shy of Wayne Gretzky's point-per-game seasons record, which is currently set at 19. Clinching the record at 20 seems perfect for Crosby, who is, arguably, the most consistently dominant player in NHL history.
"It's so impressive to be doing it for, what, 20 times?" forward Rickard Rakell said. "He's one of the best to have ever played this game, so... he shows why. I mean, it's such a hard game, and for him to do it every year, it's pretty nuts."
While Crosby chases the NHL record books, the Penguins will be chasing two points, as they are now in desperation mode in terms of the NHL playoff picture. They currently sit six points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and Montreal has three games in hand.
They are aware of the hill that they would need to climb, as they only have 10 games remaining. But they're going to fight for every inch of ice they can get.
And that's always tough against a goaltender like Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has been one of the best goaltenders in hockey for the last decade.
"He's been, obviously, one of the elite goaltenders in the league ever since [2016]," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "He's one of the premiere goaltenders in the league. The workload that he's been able to endure season-in and season-out... these guys have played a lot of hockey. They've gone deep into the playoffs, they've had a number of playoff runs, and he's played hard hockey. In a lot of ways, there aren't a lot of goaltenders that carry the workload he carries in today's game."
Vasilevskiy will be opposed by Tristan Jarry, who is red-hot for the Penguins. Jarry has a .924 save percentage in his six starts since returning to the Penguins from the AHL on Mar. 3, and - including Tuesday's game - will have started seven of the last eight for Pittsburgh.
As for the lineup, forward Evgeni Malkin will miss Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury. Forward Emil Bemstrom will slot back in.
Here are the lines and pairings for the game, which features Erik Karlsson on the left side next to Conor Timmins on the second defensive pairing:
Tampa Bay currently occupies the third spot in the Atlantic Division. They have lost two consecutive games and are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games.
Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has two goals and six points in the last five games.
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March Penguins Prospects Update: Forwards
There are some exciting developments down on the farm for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With more talent in the system than they've had in recent memory, the Penguins have several prospects of interest to keep an eye on. We will take a look at how some of the organization's top forward prospects are faring right now in our March prospects update.
Rutger McGroarty
As we detailed in our February forward prospects update, McGroarty - after a brief NHL stint at the beginning of the season and a slow start to his AHL season - has finally seen his process meet expectations for production.
And that has continued in the month of March.
In 11 March games, McGroarty has five goals and nine points, picking up right where he left off in February. He does only have one point in his last four games, but the team - and his line - continues to roll.
Overall, McGroarty has 14 goals and 39 points in 59 games on the season. His second half should serve the WBS Penguins well as they vye for their first Calder Cup in franchise history, and his all-around game - adding in the production - is pretty much NHL-ready at this point.
Avery Hayes
Hayes - part of that line with McGroarty and Vasily Ponomarev - has been one of WBS's best players this season. He has 19 goals and 37 points in 49 games, and his play earned him an entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins that he signed on Mar. 13.
The undrafted forward has worked hard to find success in professional hockey, as his unconventional path required some extra steps and injuries led to some inconsistency in 2023-24. But, all of a sudden, the 22-year-old right winger has solidified a relatively consistent placement on a line with McGroarty and Ponomarev, arguably the two most NHL-ready prospects in the Penguins' system.
Given that the line has largely been together since the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo last summer, it's certainly working in Hayes's favor that he's developed chemistry with those two players in particular.
He has four goals and seven points in the month of March.
Ville Koivunen
Like McGroarty, Koivunen has slowed down a bit in his most recent set of games, having just two points over the last 7. He has four goals and eight points in the month of March.
However, his 20 goals and 54 points in 61 games is tied for seventh overall in AHL scoring and is tied for first among rookies in scoring. He is also tied for third in goals among rookies.
Although he is still working on rounding out some of the details of his game, Koivunen's development this season has been nothing short of spectacular. He has adjusted well to the pro game so far, and he should see some significant NHL ice time in 2025-26.
He is also chasing WBS's franchise record for points as a rookie, which is currently held by Toby Peterson (2000-01) at 67 points. There are 11 games remaining, so it's a longshot - but never say never.
Tristan Broz
Broz was out for a good while due to mononucleosis to begin the calendar year, returning on Feb. 7 and picking up right where he left off prior to his absence.
However, he has been a bit slow production-wise in the month of March. Broz has just two goals and four points in 11 March games, one point in his last seven games, and five points in his last 15 games.
That being said, he has continued to develop his two-way game and his positional versatility. There has been a bit of a rotation as far as the team's centers and their placement in the lineup, as Broz has spent time as both first- and second-line center, and even some time on the wing.
Most of the time, he centers a line with Koivunen and Valtteri Puustinen. Puustinen has five goals and 11 points in March.
Vasily Ponomarev
After nearly getting to the point-per-game mark about a month ago, Ponomarev has gone cold production-wise. He has no points in his last six games and just two goals and four points in his last 14.
However, don't mistake this for Ponomarev playing poorly. He is still driving a decent amount of offense and playing responsibly on both sides of the puck. Like McGroarty was earlier this season, he is a bit snakebitten right now, but he's also been a bit more passive in terms of his own opportunities.
The production will come for Ponomarev as long as he keeps playing strong all-zones hockey. He has a commitment to details that is advanced beyond most of his peers in WBS, and getting that monkey off his back will hopefully help him get his confidence back, too.
Tanner Howe
Howe began the season with the WHL's Regina Pats - as their captain - and was traded midseason to the Calgary Hitmen.
And wherever he's been this season, he hasn't missed a beat.
In a regular season that has included skating for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship at the turn of the New Year, Howe had 18 goals and 46 points in 47 games between both teams. He will also be doing his best to lead Calgary to a CHL championship in their upcoming playoff run.
The 19-year-old power forward - a second-round pick (46th overall) by the Penguins in 2024 - is developing a solid two-way game and certainly doesn't shy away from physicality. In fact, he uses phsyicality to gain positioning on opponents, which makes him a menace on the forecheck.
If his development continues on its current path, he could, conceivably, become an effective middle-six winger at the NHL level. He will presumably be playing in WBS next season, as his junior eligibility will be up.
Melvin Fernstrom
Fernstrom, 19, was acquired by the Penguins from the Vancouver Canucks as part of the Marcus Pettersson trade on Jan. 31. The right winger from Balsta, Sweden was a third-round pick (93rd overall) by Vancouver in 2024, and he was advertised as a raw prospect with a high ceiling.
His first full season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Orebro HK has been a bit of a mixed bag, as he has registered eight goals and 17 points in 48 games. But he's also playing against much more experienced players, and his showing for the J20 Nationell - against junior-level players - resulted in 11 goals and 18 points in 12 games.
Last season, Fernstrom's 31 goals led the J20 league.
There is still some growth that has to happen for Fernstrom, but there is some promise there. And Penguins' management is pretty high on this guy. There is a good chance he plays in North American next season.
Mikhail Ilyin
Ilyin, 20, is currently playing for the Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL, and he is making progress in his third season with the team. He saw games in the KHL as an 18-year-old, and he has also been seeing top-line minutes since then.
The right winger has seven goals and 30 points in 64 games this year, and his contract with Severstal expires at the end of the season. A 2023 fifth-round pick (142nd overall) by the Penguins, there is a chance he could join the organization in North America next season.
Ilyin will have to develop his skating a bit more - as well as his level of production - if he is going to be a regular at the NHL level at some point. But his playmaking smarts, passing ability, and the details in his game fill a lot of the gaps that the other deficiencies in his game leave.
Ilyin is certainly a work in progress, but he is definitely making strides. If his game can translate to the North American game, he may be a pleasant fifth-round surprise for the Penguins.
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Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical Notes
The Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and on pace to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks of the regular season.
For example, one more Western Conference road trip is left on the schedule, with a home-and-home against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the season finale is against long-time rival Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.
Even though that game is on April 17, Ovechkin could still be pursuing Wayne Gretzky's goal record, which could set up one of the most historic contests in league history.
Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule
- Tuesday - March 25 at Tampa Bay Lightning (0-1-1)
- Thursday - March 27 at Buffalo Sabres (2-0-0)
- Sunday - March 30 vs. Ottawa Senators (0-1-1)
- Thursday - April 3 @ St. Louis Blues (1-0-0)
- Saturday - April 5 @ Dallas Stars (0-1-0)
- Sunday - April 6 @ Chicago Blackhawks (0-0-0)
- Tuesday - April 8 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (0-0-0)
- Friday - April 11 @ New Jersey Devils (1-1-1)
- Sunday - April 13 vs. Boston Bruins (1-1-0)
- Thursday - April 17 vs. Washington Capitals (1-2-0)
Pittsburgh Penguins March Results
March 1 vs. Boston Bruins (L 3-2) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 2 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (L 6-5 OT) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 4 @ Colorado Avalanche (L 4-1) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 7 @ Vegas Golden Knights (L 4-0) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 9 @ Minnesota Wild (W 3-1) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 11 vs. Vegas Golden Knights (W 3-2 OT) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 13 vs. St. Louis Blues (W 5-3) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 15 vs. New Jersey Devils (W 7-3) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 18 vs. New York Islanders (L 4-2) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 21 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (W 6-3) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
March 23 @ Florida Panthers (L 4-3 SO) Preview / Recap / Takeaways
Pittsburgh Penguins Statistical Leaders
- Goals: Rickard Rakell (32)
- Assists: Sidney Crosby (53)
- Points: Sidney Crosby (78)
- PIM: Michael Bunting (48)
- PPG: Michael Bunting (9)
- GWG: Sidney Crosby & Philip Tomasino (6)
- SOG: Sidney Crosby (194)
- Blocks: Noel Acciari (93)
- Hits: Noel Acciari (155)
- Wins: Alex Nedeljkovic (13)
- Losses: Alex Nedeljkovic (14)
- GAA: Tristan Jarry (3.12)
- SV%: Tristan Jarry (.894)
Pittsburgh Penguins News
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Penguins Have Become True One-Line Team
For anyone who has been following the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, it's been a pretty remarkable campaign for their top-line trio of Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust.
The trouble is that - in comparison to the rest of their teammates - it's been a bit too remarkable.
Individually, each player has been playing some of his best hockey. Several milestones and career-highs are in play for each player:
- Crosby (25 goals, 53 assists, 78 points): Crosby is just two points shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's point-per-game seasons record, which he figures to clinch at 20. He also has a chance to register his 13th season at 30 or more goals, as he has six goals in his past seven games.
- Rakell (32-30-62): Rakell's 32 goals is just two below his career-high mark of 34, which he set in 2017-18. He is also just seven points shy of his career-high of 69 points set that same season.
- Rust (25-29-54): With two goals in Sunday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers, Rust is just three goals shy of 200 for his career. The six-time 20-goal scorer - all in succession over the last six seasons - would be just the ninth player in franchise history to reach the 200-goal plateau with the organization.
But the success of the first line has really exposed the Penguins as a true one-line team this season. Of the 212 total goals the Penguins have scored this season, at least one of Crosby, Rust, and Rakell has factored in on 56.6 percent of them, and they have scored 38.7 percent of the team's goals this season.
In addition, Crosby (20:21), Rust (19:43), and Rakell (19:22) are, on average, playing two minutes more per game than the next-closest forward, Evgeni Malkin (17:54).
For a frame of reference, there are very good NHL teams that get very top-heavy production, such as the Edmonton Oilers. The difference is that Edmonton - in addition to scoring more goals than the Penguins - have arguably the best player in the NHL this season in Leon Draisaitl.
His 49 goals lead the NHL - he is also the only player in hockey this season with more than 40 goals - and his 101 points are second to only Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon's 105. Connor McDavid, the consensus best player in the world, also has 26 goals and 90 points for the Oilers this season.
Teams with a one-two punch like that can afford to have most of their production come from those players because they're simply producing more than guys like Crosby - the Penguins' best player - at this juncture. Their respective teams typically have a higher goal output, too, and McDavid and Draisaitl - both in their primes - mostly play on separate lines.
The best NHL teams need at least two high-end lines in terms of production, and Pittsburgh simply doesn't have that luxury anymore. Penguins second-line center Malkin, 38, has just 15 goals and 46 points in 62 games, which can be partially explained by injuries and lack of talent on his wings.
He is also aging, as is Crosby. The Penguins' captain has showed less age than Malkin the last few seasons, and the Penguins have discovered throughout the course of this season that it's better to load up their top line and hope for the best with the rest rather than try to weaken the top line for the benefit of more balance in the lineup.
The fact of the matter is that the Penguins cannot simply rely on those two to completely carry their production anymore. And if they're going to compete, they can't rely on an entire first line of players age 31 or older carrying their production, either.
If the Penguins are to return to contention as quickly as possible, they need to acquire or develop at least two young, top-six talents who can take some of the burden off of Crosby's line - as well as Malkin - to produce.
They have a ton of draft capital, they have a lot of cap space for free agency, they have some near-NHL-ready prospects, and they have some leverage for trade opportunities. A priority for POHO and GM Kyle Dubas this offseason should be landing a player who can make the Penguins at least a two-line team again.
You can track Crosby's pursuit of Gretzky's point-per-game seasons record here.
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Pittsburgh Penguins Roundtable Community
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Follow all Penguins news at https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/GraemeOct 11, 2023
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