The Pittsburgh Penguins organization faces a bevy of decisions over the next 12 months that will shape or re-shape the on-ice product. The decisions at the ice level could be transformative, too.
It will take more courage than methodical caution to fix the Penguins this summer because, quite simply, they already know what’s wrong. Or at least they should.
But admitting every problem won’t be easy. Some popular players are the culprits. Despite being recently acquired with the best of intentions, some players add to the problems rather than solve them.
A stagnant power play was merely a symptom, not the cause. A lack of scoring wingers and a declining shot at the point (Evgeni Malkin) highlighted the problems that were also part of the even-strength problems.
Not until Michael Bunting’s arrival did the Penguins’ second line show appropriate production. The power play was a little less putrid, though still dangerously inconsistent and prone to giving up shorthanded goals.
There was also no offense from the third line, except for Lars Eller. They were unable to score with the open ice and speed of 3v3 overtime. The defense was painfully clumsy in the biggest moments, and the team was mentally weak, inviting wild inconsistency.
Such teams cough up third-period leads, get scored on soon after scoring time and again, give up shorthanded goals whilst fighting a stagnant power play, and collapse under adversity.
Otherwise, things were perfect.
Yes, the Penguins were guilty of all of those. Dubas admitted he was surprised and disappointed by how the Penguins sulked before and after the NHL trade deadline. For all of the leaders in the Penguins room, the team flirted with folding their season in the first part of March.
Sidney Crosby dragged the team forward at first despite themselves.
Now comes the absolute necessity of unflinchingly choosing to confront some of the uncomfortable factors rather than sidestep inexplicable shortcomings.
Despite having about $10 million to spend on July 1, they’re not in a power position. So if they hope to improve more than the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders (the teams just behind them and just ahead of them at the end of the season), Dubas will need to take a few risks.
The easy decisions are contracts for Sidney Crosby and Marcus Pettersson, who are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2025, but can sign new contracts beginning this…
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