PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – After not only routing the two-time reigning Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers but also knocking them out of the playoffs entirely, the Penguins are preparing for an unexpected future: starting a playoff run on home ice. The Pens have been on fire since Olympic play ended, posting an NHL-leading 3.91 goals per game, somewhat shocking for a lineup that, coming into the year, was expected to be closer to a rebuilding squad. The Penguins are one of the older squads in hockey, with a majority of their best players pushing 40, though another key piece of the lineup is just 18, creating a unit that was projected to be a lottery team. Instead, we’re here.
The Penguins have been nothing short of unconventional all year; however, they’ve made it work fairly successfully. The most unconventional piece entering the playoffs, though? A lack of a number one goaltender. The Penguins have cycled through three keepers this season, with Stuart Skinner, Arturs Silovs, and Sergei Murashov all playing significant minutes throughout the regular season. The safe option of the three, as well as the current likely game 1 selection, is Skinner, a 27-year-old with 50 Stanley Cup Playoff games already under his belt. However, he has taken a step back since his elite play in January, allowing four or more goals in seven of his last 13 starts. Continuing to take a step back in the postseason may cause Pittsburgh to reconsider its options.
The Penguins’ Cinderella run is not over yet; however, it will require some hard answers if it is expected to continue. A season that should’ve been focused on developing the next generation has turned into an improbable potential playoff run. Now, the city is backing its hockey club as we approach the NHL Postseason, with a strong likelihood that this is the last time Crosby, Malkin, and Letang enter it together.