Coaching Change Will Not Help Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins need changes, but adjustments behind the bench may not be the answer.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured standings points in five consecutive games, but it sure doesn’t feel like it considering how abysmal most of the lineup has looked.
Sidney Crosby and his linemates have been high points for the Penguins over that stretch of games, as have the goaltenders, but just about every other area is struggling to find any kind of momentum.
With a power play nearing the worst in the NHL, a defense still looking for a rhythm, and a bottom six completely put into a blender thanks to injuries, many fans are stomping their feet looking for a coaching change.
Fans are quick to react and place blame on the men behind the bench, but in this situation, the team might not get any better with a new voice or voices.
Head coach Mike Sullivan is well liked by all of the right people, meaning his walking papers won’t be hitting his desk any time soon.
Fenway Sports Group thinks he’s the right guy and he likely played a role in hiring Kyle Dubas for the front office.
Associate coach Todd Reirden might be on a bit more of a hot seat than Sullivan, but it’s rare to see a coach who isn’t at the helm be relieved mid season.
If anything, Reirden needs to find huge changes to the power play or relinquish those duties.
The issues with the Penguins right now go far beyond the coaching, however, as the players just aren’t getting it done.
Crosby’s line has been outstanding and the goaltending has taken huge strides in the right direction.
Evgeni Malkin and his linemates need to step up and start scoring a few more goals like they did in October.
The third and fourth lines just need to get healthy and then there can be more evaluations of their situation.
The Penguins are extremely lucky the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division are still extremely tight, a few wins over the next few weeks could put them in healthy position.
Fans may clamor for it, but a coaching change wouldn’t make the Penguins any better; some names like Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason have become available, but they don’t make the Penguins better.
Let’s not forget Sullivan’s new contract doesn’t kick in until next year.
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