The problems surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins can't be ignored any longer.
PITTSBURGH - To use a term that has been pioneered by a younger generation, the Pittsburgh Penguins are ‘pretty mid’ this season.
The Penguins have had their highs and winning streaks through 2022-23, but also extreme lows that have put them in an awkward position in the standings.
Their most recent loss to the New York Islanders exposed multiple flaws that need to be mended and fast.
Sure, the Penguins played the better game against the Islanders, but the signs were obvious of what needs fixed.
The bottom six isn’t playable anymore and each player on the two lines were held without a point.
The entire third line of Jeff Carter, Brock McGinn, and Kasperi Kapanen combined for a minus-seven rating and Kapanen was the only one to record a shot on goal.
Somehow, Kapanen looks like the best player on the line, and that’s really saying something given how inconsistent he’s become.
McGinn hasn’t recorded a point since before Christmas and is still averaging almost 13 minutes of ice time each game.
Carter may have 20 points on the season, but that isn’t good enough given his position as third line center.
Only one of those points has come in the last 15 games, as well; Carter’s offensive abilities have dried up and he’s being used solely as a faceoff expert at this point.
The special teams is growing massive warts again as both the power play and penalty kill sink in their respective ratings.
Following the loss to the Islanders, the Penguins power play now sits in 17th in the league with 21.51% and the penalty kill at 14th with 80.46%.
The personnel on the Penguins blue line is still fine, it’s just a matter of their scheme; far too many odd man rushes are being allowed and there’s a huge lack of net-front presence.
Speaking of the net, Casey DeSmith is doing all he can, but he’s a backup and can’t start eight consecutive games.
Tristan Jarry needs to return and remain healthy if the Penguins have any chance of making noise down the line.
The situation surrounding Jarry is puzzling, and the longer it lasts, the worse things are going to be for the Penguins.
There is still time left for the Penguins to figure something out and put together a solid finish to the season and look like a strong team heading into the postseason.
There is not, however, much time for general manager Ron Hextall to make any kind of move that can help this team.
The problems continue to pile up for the Penguins; sure, this team can be good, they just need the right changes to happen.
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