The X-Factor Hunt: What is the Penguins’ Missing Ingredient?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed observing the Penguins during this impressive stretch, boasting a commendable record of 9-3-3 in their last 15 games. Holding the 4th spot in the Metro spot until the Capitals win last night, they’re on the cusp of a wildcard position. However, despite their strong performance and favorable record, there’s an intangible sense that they haven’t fully embraced contender status.

I can’t help feel as though one thing or another seems to be missing to make this team a contender. But what specifically is it?

First and foremost, accolades are due for key players who have played pivotal roles in our current successful streak—Lars Eller, Drew O‘Connor, Kris Letang.

I’d also like to commend Noel Acciari, who deserves some extra recognition. In my view, he’s been outstanding and somewhat overlooked by the Penguins’ fanbase. Acciari’s performance stands out for me, demonstrating excellence in defensive play and showcasing true grit with his physicality. His contributions are noticeable, adding an extra layer of much needed spirit to the team.

And of course, goaltending has been excellent, it seems an almost split is working fantastically for Jarry. As the saying goes “Less is more” seems to apply well for Jarry, and these last games have just been fantastic.

In my eyes when Jarry is on his game, the Penguins have the second best goalie in the Metro. I’d go as far as to say that the Penguins have the second best tandem in the league outside of Vegas.

However, the most significant catalyst for the Penguins’ climb up the conference ranks is none other than Sid “The Un-Aging” Crosby. It’s impossible to overstate the impact Crosby is having on this team. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is for the Penguins faithful to fully appreciate the remarkable contributions he’s making and how truly awe-inspiring it is to witness his exceptional performance.

You’re watching history and it may not be too long before you’re watching it no more…so take it in while you have him.

Undoubtedly, Sidney Crosby stands as the linchpin in the Penguins’ playoff aspirations, often single-handedly shouldering the team to victories. A defining moment highlighting his brilliance was evident in the game against Boston. Crosby’s remarkable speed down the ice, ended up outpacing Hampus Lindholm to nullify an icing, showcased his unwavering commitment to the team’s success. 

It’s been said before but he has the mentality of a 4th liner who’s doing everything to stay on the team and make an impact. Except it’s also a highly talented, high hockey IQ, two hundred foot game monster out there.

Simply incredible.

Nevertheless, despite the noteworthy efforts and individual brilliance of Sid, there’s a lingering sense that the team isn’t fully contender status. While some pieces of the puzzle are undoubtedly in place, the composition may still be missing a crucial element.

One contributing factor to the perception that they fall short of contender status lies in those games where the Penguins seem to revert to the “Same old Pens“. Whether it’s squandering a lead or delivering forty minutes of lackluster hockey where the only energy is shown in the last twenty minutes, when it’s twenty minutes too late.

Examples like losing to teams like Buffalo and Ottawa, who they must beat. These teams have tons of talent, but they’re bad in execution and utilizing said talent. So the Penguins should beat them, but they didn’t and often don’t. They come out flat as if they don’t take them serious, losing much needed points.

These instances overshadow the team’s potential and leave a lingering sense of inconsistency that triggers the frustrations of last year.

It always feels like it’s the same despite the fact that the Penguins are 4th in the league five on five, Jarry leading the league in shutouts, a 9-3-3 record across their last 15, one of the best PK’s in the league, all that sounds like playoff success.

Except every game they feel as if they’re teetering on the edge of cliff hoping not to free fall to their doom. So what gives? Well, one of the biggest missing ingredients? Consistency.

When the Penguins play defensive hockey, slowing down the other teams and just straight suffocating the life out of them, they win.

Sure it’s boring hockey, but they need to do what it takes for success, not do what they used to and fly around the ice. That doesn’t work anymore with this current roster makeup.

When everyone gets the message from the start of the game, and they set the tone for the other team, they quite literally control the game, sometimes it’s outright dominance, like the Pens last game against Seattle.

There needs to be more of that, the whole bench up and down the line-up must start the game with the mentality “We play strong defense, we control the game, we make them play our game.” From the start of the game, until the end.

A full sixty minutes. (But that drums been beaten to death, but hey let’s beat it again.)

The league is filled with young, fast and highly skilled players now, the Penguins on the other hand have a team with tons of skill, high hockey IQ, but little youth, and a handful of fast players. But they can’t dance the dance anymore, or tango to tango, they need to play their game for their current team.

This team needs to be the 07-08 Redwing’s, quite literally. They adapted to be a cohesive defensive machine, using their skill and high hockey IQ to win off of the defense when the opportunities presented themselves. They knew what they were at that time, they accepted it and they won a Stanley Cup because of it.

But that’s not all that seems missing, the Penguins need one more player to step up, and one more to step in.

I don’t believe Colin White is the answer. But perhaps as fellow writer Rick Buker pointed out, maybe it’s Jesse Puljujarvi. He wrote a great article you can check out.

Speaking of players elevating their game, Drew O‘Connor appears to be on the cusp of a mini-breakout, injecting a much-needed boost to our scoring depth. Additionally, Valtteri Puustinen has brought a surge of energy, skill, and depth to the team, providing a valuable infusion as well.

But despite these call ups or possible call ups, I believe the Penguins still need to add to fully sure up this team as a contender. Specifically, a genuine defenseman for the bottom pairing is essential.

Ludvig has been great and should stay in the lineup, but I’m not worried he’ll ever get sent down, it seems he’s safely earned his spot. Shea and Ruhwedel have played admirably, but they aren’t going to cut it if the Penguins desire Lord Stanley.

There’s a need for an experienced player with an affordable contract to solidify the blue line, guys like Jarred Tinordi at $1,250,000 and Jon Merrill at $1,200,000 come to mind. But even that might be a little steep for the Penguins tight cap, or essentially no cap.

So in my mind Zach Bogosian would be perfect and he’s only $850,000. He is a right defensemen but Ludvig has shown he can play left or right, so I’d say that Bogosian would be preferable.

And lastly the Penguins probably need one more depth forward. Maybe Jesse Puljujarvi will turn out to be the answer and no trade will need to be done. But knowing Dubas, I don’t think he will sit on his hands come close to the deadline or at it.

Especially if the Penguins look they’re not going to make it to the playoffs, then at that point you must get a return on Guentzel.

But they need someone who can at minimum put up 30-40 points somewhere in that bottom six, the team just struggles to score sometimes. They need a guy who brings that burst of energy, and can help supplement the scoring when that top line is having trouble.

I don’t know who to even get at this point, but thankfully I’m not a GM. That’s probably for the best. Maybe I’ll take a deeper dive in another article at what players might work or be Dubas targets.

Kyle Dubas has some tough decisions, but the way Crosby is playing toppled with this great goalie tandem, I wouldn’t want to squander that. The Penguins feel as if they’re on the brink of falling to basement league fodder after one bad week or 2nd in the metro on their current pace.

They need just the smallest boost to be contenders, which might be increased production from the younger players, strong defensive system, or some newly added pieces.

Of course in my mind it seems the answer is.

All of the above…