The Pittsburgh Penguins have seen this situation before and will need to turn back the clock to do it again.

After 26 games of the 2023-24 NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in bad shape sitting in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division and closer to the basement than they are a spot in the playoffs.

With an 11-12-3 record, the Penguins hold 25 standings points, just three up on the Ottawa Senators who have 22 (in 22 games played) and are six behind the Tampa Bay Lightning who hold the second wild card spot.

From here on out, it’ll be an uphill battle for Sidney Crosby and his crew, but this isn't new territory.

Over his career, Crosby has twice seen his team make mid to late-season runs that not only push them into the postseason, but all the way to a Stanley Cup.

In 2008-09, the Penguins were five points out of a playoff spot in February when they fired Michel Therrien, brought in Dan Bylsma, and began a run of 10-1-2 in the month of March.

Everyone knows how that season ended; with Crosby hoisting the Cup for the first time in his Hall of Fame career.

In 2015-16, the Penguins were in a similar position; floundering for points, they fired their head coach in Mike Johnston for Mike Sullivan.

Much like the 08-09 formula, the Penguins went on a run and won the Stanley Cup.

This time around in 2023-24, the Penguins are facing similar issues, but with some glaring differences.

The core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are no longer youngsters, or even youthful veterans, they’re in the final years of their careers and it shows at times.

Not only are the Penguins the oldest team in the league, but it’s highly unlikely Sullivan is told to leave town.

Sullivan has a contract extension that doesn’t start until next season and it doesn’t feel completely as if the Penguins struggles are because of him.

Todd Reirden is in charge of the power play and Sullivan is doing his best with the players he’s been given.

The Penguins are a number of injuries forcing AHL recalls into NHL action, but even then, Sullivan has been proactive in making certain roster moves.

There are still ambitions of competing for another Stanley Cup; the ‘fire the coach’ formula might not pop up this time around, but the Penguins will need to dig deep and hope for a masterclass from multiple faces within the organization.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

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