The Pittsburgh Penguins are having a great start to the year, but aren't seeing the proper credit.

The 2023-24 season is just over a week old, but it already seems like the Pittsburgh Penguins are seeing the short end of the stick in terms of viability.

After three games, the Penguins hold a 2-1-0 record and their top two point scorers (Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang) had an early lead in the NHL’s scoring race.

Tack on a shutout from Tristan Jarry, and it’s safe to say this overhauled lineup has gotten off to a great start.

Despite the early momentum, both the Penguins and a couple of players haven’t been given a proper amount of respect.

ESPN listed the top 100 players in the NHL right now and while multiple Penguins were on the list, a key one was completely absent.

Malkin, who as mentioned was leading the league in points, was kept off from the top 100 and missing from even the honorable mentions.

One could even argue that Sidney Crosby was also pushed to an absurdly odd spot way out of the top 10.

As a team, though, the Penguins are off to a good start, unless you look at The Hockey News’ power rankings after week one.

According to their rankings, the Penguins have been pretty mid to start the year with a 15 spot.

To recap, the Penguins first week, they got off to a slow start, but they bounced back with a shutout against the Washington Capitals then defeated the Calgary Flames the next night.

Malkin recorded six points over those three games, so did Jake Guentzel with a goal and five assists, and Crosby recorded at least a point in each contest.

Bryan Rust is starting off hot with three goals in three games and Reilly Smith has already showed great chemistry on a line with Malkin.

Erik Karsson only has one point but he’s gotten quite a few great chances and those are sure to continue.

What about the Penguins’ start puts them out of the top 10? Especially behind teams who haven’t looked outstanding to start.

The New Jersey Devils (13^th) are 1-1-1 losing two in a row to inferior opponents and multiple teams with a 1-2-0 record stand ahead of the Penguins.

Everyone knows the Edmonton Oilers are usually an offensive juggernaut, but if you’re basing a list on how the first week of the season went, they can’t be 8^th.

A 1-2-0 record, with losses coming against the 21^st power ranked Vancouver Canucks, including an 8-1 boat race in the opener.

It’s early in the season and overreaction season is very real, but the Penguins had a better opening week than they are getting credit for. 

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