Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith talks about his play over the past month and returning to practice following the All-Star Break. PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins are returning from their break and are looking to break themselves of a funk that has them barely clinging on to a playoff spot. While there are troubles all over the lineup, the Penguins need something to jumpstart some momentum for the final push of the season. General manager Ron Hextall spoke with media and gave some insight on how he has assessed the team as the trade deadline looms. Hextall said something similar to what head coach Mike Sullivan said before their break, and that the Penguins have been far too inconsistent in their play. “I think our team has been very inconsistent this year,” Hextall said. “I think we’ve had moments where we’ve been very good, I think we’ve had moments where we haven’t been very good.” The goal right now is to make the playoffs, and injuries and inconsistencies have gotten in the way, but Hextall believes there is enough there to go further. “When we play the way we’re capable of playing, I can certainly see us making the playoffs,” Hextall said. “When you look at our top players, for the most part, they’ve performed well. Some of our role players need to be better.” What can Hextall do to help combat some of those issues? Making a move or two would be helpful. Specifically, a move to bolster the bottom six would do wonders; while Hextall says trade talk is picking up, he is remaining cautious. “It’s really dangerous to feel like you have to make a deal,” Hextall said. “We’re going to make a deal because we feel like it makes our team better. I’ve never felt pressure to make a deal for the sake of making a deal.” While any sort of move might jump start this Penguins team, Hextall is right to want the right move to come along. Kneejerk trades are what got Jim Rutherford in hot water in Pittsburgh; while he was an active GM, there needs to be a happy medium. On the flip side, Hextall likes the group of players he has assembled in Pittsburgh, and believes they can be a better team, even without a trade. “When I look at our team on paper, I like our team,” Hextall said. “Sometimes you get better when you make a move with a player that fits better. We’ve got to be creative with our cap situation.” Ultimately, however, Hextall wants to make the Penguins a better team as the trade deadline approaches. “We would like to get better,” Hextall said. “Sometimes getting better is making a move that is a better fit.” It’s time to wait and see what’s next for the Penguins; Hextall believes there is a good team here and a splash move may not be necessary. With under a month until the trade deadline, the Penguins might be quiet, but are certainly looking for improvements. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Tristan Jarry Remains Day-to-Day Following Penguins' Break [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/tristan-jarry-day-to-day-following-pittsburgh-penguins-break] Fixing the Penguins' Problems Heading Down the Stretch [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/fixing-pittsburgh-penguins-problems-heading-down-stretch] Sidney Crosby Scores Twice from Alex Ovechkin in Metro Division Loss [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-scores-twice-alex-ovechkin-metropolitan-loss] Flavell's Five Thoughts: Penguins Coming Out of All-Star Break [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/flavell-five-thoughts-pittsburgh-penguins-coming-out-all-star-break] Penguins Recall Goalie Dustin Tokarski [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-recall-dustin-tokarski] * undefined * undefined
