Watching the Pittsburgh Penguins’ dynastic run come to an ignominious end isn’t easy, especially for those living through it. In a game against the struggling Ottawa Senators, the Penguins seemed to go through the motions, lacking the passion and determination needed for success.
While some players continue to give their all, there are noticeable gaps between those putting in maximum effort and those appearing disheartened. Newcomer Michael Bunting has shown dedication, scoring his first Penguins goal and consistently working hard.
However, after witnessing the Penguins’ recent poor performance, including six regulation losses in eight games, it’s clear that this team, as currently constructed, cannot continue. The core players, in particular, look exhausted. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have struggled, and Kris Letang’s play has declined recently.
It’s unsurprising given their workload—playing all 82 games and logging about 20 minutes per game, including high-pressure situations. Coach Mike Sullivan has relied heavily on the core out of necessity, with Crosby’s line providing most of the offense and Letang’s pairing handling shutdown defense.
The Penguins need more support for their core players. Young players like Drew O’Connor and Valtteri Puustinen have shown energy and potential, contrasting with the fatigue of their older teammates.
Penguins’ management has acknowledged the need to get younger, but they’ve only used one regular recall since the trade deadline. There’s a call to bring up NHL-ready prospects like Vasily Ponomarev to provide a spark and support for the team.
The Penguins also face the challenge of owing the San Jose Sharks a first-round pick, which could be a top-10 selection if their performance doesn’t improve.
Despite the team’s struggles, Letang remains optimistic, believing they can turn things around with a winning streak. However, time is running out, and significant changes may be necessary to salvage the season.
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