Penguins Must Start Strong in 2023
The path back to the playoffs hinges on a strong start for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Last season marked the end of a remarkable run of playoff berths for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was their first year missing the postseason since 2006 and the first time franchise cornerstones Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang had ever missed out on playoff hockey.
It began with an aggressively mediocre opening month of the season as the Penguins started 4-4-2 in their first ten games. They had blown out the Arizona Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning in their first two games but lost six of their next eight games.
The Penguins' quest to return to the postseason and a sixth Stanley Cup begins in under three months. This season, more than ever, it will be imperative that the Penguins get off on the right foot.
The Eastern Conference features more potential playoff teams heading into the season than in recent history. Top teams like the Devils, Hurricanes, Rangers, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Panthers, and Bruins all figure to play significant roles in the playoff race once again.
Meanwhile, younger teams (Sabres, Senators, Red Wings) continue to build towards their respective returns to postseason hockey. The Eastern Conference playoff picture will be crowded next season, and the last thing the Penguins can afford to do is fall behind and have to chase down a spot late in the regular season with one of the oldest teams in hockey.
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