The Pittsburgh Penguins have dropped their past four games. Last week was an overtime loss to a Hurricanes team that has seemed to have the Penguins’ number this season. It was a close game, as it usually has been between the Canes and Pens this season, but once again, the Canes came out on top. This week, it was a blowout 5-1 loss to the Islanders, a blown 4-0 lead that turned into a 5-4 overtime loss against the Red Wings, and a terrible 0-for-9 on the power play in a 4-2 loss to the Devils.
This string of losses could not come at a worse time for the Penguins, as second through sixth in the Metropolitan Division are only separated by four points. The Penguins are suffering through some problems throughout the season, and it doesn’t seem like things will get better with the current roster this team has.
However, things this season hasn’t been all bad for the Penguins. They went 19-3-3 before dropping their past four games. It shows the Penguins’ capability and shows they can compete with the top teams in the NHL.
However, it has also helped show some of the team’s biggest problems. One is the inconsistency of performance in the lineup, especially in the third line and depth.
Head Coach Mike Sullivan changed up the bottom six this week. He put Kasperi Kapanen on the fourth line against the Islanders, where he ended up having a good start, along with Drew O’Connor and Jeff Carter. Carter was arguably the best player for the Penguins in that first period but was a no-show for the rest of the game, along with the rest of the offense. He and the team struggled badly in the defensive zone as well. One of the biggest problems the Penguins have faced lately and the whole season is playing a complete game, and it has primarily been a problem for Jeff Carter and Kasperi Kapanen.
Jeff Carter does have 17 points so far this season but has been on the ice for more goals against than goals for. He hasn’t shot the puck nearly as much as he has and hasn’t had many scoring chances this season. As for Kasperi Kapanen, he may have 10 points in his last 13 games, but he played eight minutes of game time against the Islanders and has been in and out of the lineup all season. He seems to be finding his game, and I think he will be able to start being consistent.
Another player who has struggled a lot this season is Brian Dumoulin. He has typically been a solid defensive defenseman for the Penguins, but this season has been struggling, and the bulk of the criticism is on the blue line. His turnover in the defensive zone led to the Red Wings’ second goal to make it 4-2 for the Penguins on Wednesday.
The fourth line has looked solid defensively but could contribute more offensively. Teddy Blueger has only one goal and seven points in 21 games this season, Ryan Poehling has four goals and eight points in 31 games this season, and Josh Archibald only has four goals and six points in 30 games.
The Penguins, in my opinion, need these players and lines to do more. The only time anyone in the bottom six has looked good consistently has been on the PK. They need to start producing at the level they can, or these problems will continue. While it is not just these players, the play of Jeff Carter, Kasperi Kapanen, and Brian Dumoulin has been a bit of a factor in why this team is struggling so far.
This team has seemed to rely on the top two lines to provide scoring this season. Sidney Crosby has played very well, and they should be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy. Evgeni Malkin has also looked solid this season and put up 34 points in 36 games. However, lately, he seems to be making quite a few mistakes, and those have appeared to cover up his good play. Jason Zucker, Jake Guentzel, and Bryan Rust have also been playing well this season and providing a lot of offense.
The Penguins cannot rely on just the top two lines to carry them to the Stanley Cup. If this continues, I don’t see the Penguins making it to the finals.
Another issue that has been huge so far is age. The Penguins are the oldest team in the league, but they also have the most Stanley Cup experience. When I attended the Penguins’ practice on Thursday following their losses to the Islanders and Red Wings, the team didn’t seem phased at all. The players and coaches all had smiles and seemed to be joking around and enjoying themselves while working. That good attitude led to a 4-2 loss to the Devils on Friday.
It’s always good to have fun and enjoy what you do, but it’s also important to focus on winning and playing good hockey. If the Penguins need to win, they need to be more…serious…about winning and playing good hockey. With that, the bottom six needing to produce more and be better, and the Penguins not relying on the top two lines, this team can easily play as well as they did before Christmas and become a Stanley Cup contender like what we’re used to seeing.
