What should the core group of the Pittsburgh Penguins be shooting for in the final half of the season?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing much better lately, rattling off a 5-1-1 record over the last two weeks. The reason for their improved run is glaringly obvious: their aging core is playing at an elite level. Led by Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and their possible Hart Trophy favorite captain Sidney Crosby the Penguins are suddenly back in the playoff conversation.

Heading into the new year, the trio is looking to will this team to one more Stanley Cup run. With 2024 just days away, here are New Years’ Resolutions for the Penguins core. 

Sidney Crosby: Eclipse 93 Points

Biases be damned, is there any player more valuable to their team than Crosby this season? At age 36, he’s maintaining his game in every way. He has 35 points in 33 games. He’s winning 60.5% of his faceoffs, and has taken more than anyone in the league. His defensive game is superb and while he will be overlooked for the Selke Trophy, he is as good defensively as any forward in the league. 

Why 93 points then? That is his point total last season. If the Penguins want to make the playoffs, they will need the captain to maintain his two-way game and also close in on 100 points. He should be in the Hart Trophy discussion he crosses the 100 point threshold and gets his team into the playoffs. 

Kris Letang: Keep the Penalty Kill in the Top 10  

Putting up nine points in two games can really jumpstart your offensive game, just ask  Letang. After a pedestrian start to the season offensively, Letang suddenly leapfrogged Erik Karlsson to lead the team’s defenders in scoring after becoming the first defenseman in league history to record five assists in a single period. Combine that with an average ice-time of 24:40 per game, and he’s still the number one d-man on this team despite the arrival of Karlsson. 

The offense will come from Letang, but what the Pens need the most from him is his defensive improvements to continue, especially on the penalty kill. He’s been leading this unit that currently sports the league’s ninth-best penalty killing percentage. The explosiveness and aggression in Letang’s game have been perfectly suited for the top PK unit, and the Pens need their special teams to stay in the top 10 to keep themselves in playoff position. 

Evgeni Malkin: Get to a point-per-game average

The second line center for the Penguins is still an elite player at 37-years-old, but it’s clear he’s lost the slightest of steps. Malkin has 29 points in 33 games, finding inconsistent results with Reilly Smith alongside him all season. His line has seen improvements since Valtteri Puustinen was recalled from the AHL, even if it's Drew O'Connor playing there now. Malkin has eight points in his last eight games and is climbing all-time ranks.

Heading into the new year, it’s a simple resolution for Malkin: keep it going. He’s just a bit off of a point-per-game scoring average, but with his improved play of late it feels reasonable to expect him to get to the 80+ points by the end of the season. 

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