POINT SHOTS
So what have we learned from “Penguins vs. History” at left other than that I might need to find a hobby? When it comes to the statistical thresholds that most recent Cup winners cleared, no, these Penguins are not perfect. Neither are any of the NHL’s other teams. However, they are the lone Cup hopeful currently checking 12 or more boxes. It’s just another piece of evidence that suggests this team has a real shot.
Honestly, I didn’t know what I’d discover when I started “Penguins vs. History”, especially as it relates to this Penguins team. I filled up a few pages in my trusty yellow legal pad with numbers then started looking for trends among the Cup winners. Then I applied that to the current teams still in the hunt for playoff spots. In the end, I was surprised, given their inconsistent play over these last couple of months, that the Penguins checked the most boxes on our Cup checklist.
Six teams hit 11, which is still predictive. They are Boston, Calgary, Carolina, Colorado, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay. Florida and Toronto got 10 out of 13.
OK, let’s discuss what’s happening on the ice, not in an Excel spreadsheet. After Thursday’s loss in New York, the Penguins had won just five of their past 15 games against playoff teams. There were different issues in each. But the one that keeps popping up is Penguins giveaways launching the opponent’s transition game, and beyond that they are making mental miscues defending the rush. Don’t get that fixed, and they’re likely looking at another playoff one-and-done.
I was stunned to see Jason Zucker back at practice days after that scary collision in Minnesota, which he said aggravated the core muscle injury that needed surgery in January. Sullivan says Zucker is healthy, but given what we know this feels like something we will need to keep an eye on the rest of the season.
It looks like Danton Heinen could be headed to the press box once Zucker and Brock McGinn are back. Entering Saturday’s game, he had just five goals in 2022. Pressing, he’s become a liability with a spike in giveaways and lackluster defense.