In Cranberry, Mike Sullivan faced a couple of straightforward questions after the Wednesday practice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his responses were equally concise.
Question: Did you anticipate a more positive reaction in Arizona following the conclusion of the Vegas game?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Do you have any insight into why it didn’t materialize?
Answer: No.
Sullivan kept his responses brief, and the tone of his brevity likely conveyed as much as any additional elaboration could have.
Four days following the Pittsburgh Penguins’ loss in Las Vegas, where a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 defeat, and a lackluster performance culminating in a 5-2 loss in Arizona two days later, the disappointment from the two-game stint in the West still lingered.
The Penguins had entered the road trip on a positive note, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Seattle. The early portions of the Vegas game indicated they were building on that success. However, the late collapse in Vegas and a lackluster effort against the Coyotes left the team frustrated.
Winger Drew O’Connor expressed the pain of leaving Vegas without a point, a sentiment that resonated in the locker room on Wednesday. The Penguins’ performance against the Coyotes was far from the anticipated response after the setback in Las Vegas.
Head Coach Sullivan emphasized the need for a better mindset and performance, acknowledging the team’s capability for improvement.
Kris Letang provided a candid assessment, admitting the team failed to show up in Arizona, a stark contrast to their commitment to winning. Despite mistakes and occasional lapses in focus, Letang asserted that every player is dedicated to winning.
Returning from the road trip empty-handed, the Penguins find themselves five points behind the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their upcoming game against Florida on Friday at PPG Paints Arena becomes crucial as they aim to close the gap and capitalize on potential games in hand.
The urgency to elevate their game is evident, with the Penguins recognizing the importance of consistently playing at their best. Winger Drew O’Connor emphasized the need to bring their A-game every night.
If the Penguins continue to struggle, the pressure will mount, demanding more comprehensive answers to questions about their performance and playoff prospects. The challenge ahead calls for a significant turnaround, starting with the upcoming matchup against Florida.
