A little over a year ago (April 8 to be exact) the Penguins clobbered the Red Wings, 5-1, in game number 80 of the 2022-23 season. In the process seizing control of their playoff destiny.
All we needed to do was win our final two games against weak sisters Chicago and Columbus and we were in, no matter what the Islanders and Panthers did.
Remember?
With a playoff berth virtually tucked in our hip pockets, we proceeded to poop the bed sheets, losing to the lowly Connor Bedard-less Blackhawks, 5-2, on home ice. Our playoff hopes scuttled, we fell in OT to the Blue Jackets two nights later.
The very next day the FSG axe lopped off the heads of GM Ron Hextall and POHO Brian Burke, setting in motion a tumultuous summer filled with turmoil and change.
Why do I bring up one of the sorriest episodes in franchise history, one that snapped our glorious 16-year postseason run?
On Thursday night, the Pens beat the Wings again (never mind how) to once more grab hold of their playoff destiny, albeit with three games left to play instead of two.
Déjà vu all over again.
Again, win (out) and we’re in.
Perhaps easier said than done given the quality of our opposition. Tonight’s foe, the Bruins, lead the Atlantic Division. They have the fourth-most points in the league (107). Recast by new GM Barry Trotz, the Predators are solid and playoff bound. The streaking, third-in-the-Metro Isles (six wins in a row) appear to be the same.
Ah, but there’s good news, too. Given their schedules, it’s hard to imagine any of our immediate competition for the second and last Eastern Conference wild-card berth winning out. With the Lightning and Bruins on their slate, the offensively challenged Caps have the roughest go. The Red Wings square off with the Maple Leafs tonight. Even if the Flyers beat the Devils and Caps, the best they can do is 89 points, only three more than our present total.
Conventional wisdom suggests if we take two of our final three games we’re in. Of course, this season’s been anything but conventional.
Then there’s the not-so-small matter of whether or not our Pens can continue their extended 7-0-3 heater. As Sir Isaac Newton so eloquently stated, what goes up eventually must come down. The law of gravity applies to hockey teams as well as flying objects.
No exceptions.
More to the point, will stretch-run hero Alex Nedeljkovic hold up? Ned appears to be wearing down under the heavy workload (appearances in 11-straight games). What happens if circumstances force Mike Sullivan to re-insert forgotten man Tristan Jarry between the pipes?
Can we continue to rack up goals at a dizzying pace (62 over our last 15 games) sans meaningful offensive contributions from our bottom six? Can we outpace our mistakes and lapses in judgment…on the rise of late (cough…Erik Karlsson)…not to mention our struggles to hold a lead?
We’ll soon find out.
In keeping with last night’s low-event Metro clash with the Devils at the Prudential Center,…
In Mel Brooks’ comedy, The Producers, Max Bialystock (brilliantly played by Zero Mostel) and his…
On Tuesday night, I thought our Penguins played perhaps their best game of the season,…
Anyone who’s read PenguinPoop for any length of time knows black-and-gold coach Mike Sullivan doesn’t…
The Penguins added a new/old face to their roster today, acquiring defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from…
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t too enthused about the Penguins’ chances for victory ahead of…
View Comments
Hi Rick,
First of all a plug for your book, "The Rise Of The Pittsburgh Penguins 2009-2028". A must read for any Pen's Fan. And yes, the title of the article above is quite appropriate after Tuesday night. "For the Penguins, it’s Déjà vu All Over Again" in not making the playoffs in 2024. The highlight of the 23-24 campaign will hopefully be a great post playoff draft. For this April, root for Jake and the Canes to secure that 1st round pick. And for April, the Steeler's NFL Draft. Your blog has been a top read for me this season. Pensburgh, not so much. Well we are down to "Let's Go Pens" in the upcoming draft.
Hello Detroit Dave,
Thank you very much for your kind words about my book and our blog. I/we very much appreciate your faithful readership and comments.
I apologize for not responding to your comments as frequently as I'd like. It's in no way a reflection of the quality and thoughtfulness of your comments. A lot of times if I don't respond, it's because I agree.
Again, thank you for your kind words and faithful readership.
It's going to be an interesting summer...
Rick