A Night to Remember, But a Late Collapse
The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-30-10) put up a commendable effort on Tuesday night, holding one of the NHL’s most potent offenses, the Colorado Avalanche, to just one goal for the majority of the game. It was a solid defensive showcase, with the Penguins looking more organized and disciplined than they have in recent weeks. However, the wheels fell off in the final minutes, leading to a 4-1 defeat. This loss marks a significant setback for the Penguins, who are on a three-game losing streak and have only managed a 1-5-1 record since the 4 Nations Face-off. As they enter the final dress rehearsal before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday, the team finds itself at a crucial juncture, with much to reflect on and little time to turn things around.
Goal Conundrums Loom Large
With 64 games played, the Penguins have surrendered four or more goals in 36 of those matches, a staggering 56.2% of their season. Their record in these high-scoring games is a dismal 5-29-2, highlighting a significant defensive issue that has plagued the team throughout the year. Surprisingly, Tuesday’s performance was not marred by poor goaltending. Alex Nedeljkovic made 21 saves on 23 shots, a respectable showing that should have been enough for a win. In a game where the Penguins outshot the Avalanche 33-25 and were level at 1-1 until the late stages, the collapse in the final minutes was particularly tough to swallow. This streak of defensive failures has left the Penguins languishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, a position that is increasingly difficult to escape from.
Rickard Rakell: A Memorable Exit?
Rickard Rakell, the Penguins’ leading goal scorer with 29 goals, brought his team a brief moment of joy on Tuesday night by scoring his 29th goal of the season. This tally brings him within five of his career-high of 34 goals, set in the 2017-18 season with the Anaheim Ducks. Despite his impressive performance, the Penguins’ management may be considering trading Rakell in the coming days, as the trade deadline looms. If this move goes through, it will be a significant indicator of the team’s direction in the final weeks of the season. Rakell has been a linchpin for the Penguins, often scoring timely goals that have kept them in games. His departure would leave a significant void, both in terms of goals and morale. However, if Tuesday’s goal was indeed his farewell, it was a memorable one, as he finished off a perfect feed from Sidney Crosby, a player who has become synonymous with the franchise.
The Return of Tristan Jarry
The Penguins have an extra day off before they face the Vegas Golden Knights, providing them with a brief respite to regroup and refocus. One of the biggest questions looming over the team is who will play in net for the upcoming games. Tristan Jarry, who has been rehabilitating in the AHL, is back on the roster. In his time with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Jarry compiled a 6-5-1 record, but his statistics for goals against average (GAA) and save percentage (SV%) were better than they had been in the NHL. Jarry’s return is a curious move, especially considering the team’s failure to give Joel Blomqvist a fair chance. Blomqvist, a promising rookie, was never really given the opportunity to prove himself, as the team’s poor performances often overshadowed his efforts. The decision to bring back Jarry, rather than giving Blomqvist more ice time, suggests that the team’s trust in their veteran goalies remains intact.
The Future of Pittsburgh’s Goaltending
The goaltending situation for the Penguins is a complex one. Nedeljkovic and Jarry, the team’s true goalie tandem based on salary alone, have not always been consistent. Nedeljkovic’s performance on Tuesday was commendable, but it has been a mixed bag overall. Jarry’s return, while intriguing, adds another layer of uncertainty. Penguins fans are eager to see how head coach Mike Sullivan will handle his netminders over the final 18 games of the regular season. Will Nedeljkovic continue to play every remaining game, or will Jarry be given the opportunity to reclaim his spot and potentially salvage his reputation? The fans are divided, with some hoping for a return to form from Jarry and others content with Nedeljkovic’s efforts. The answer to this question could have significant implications for the team’s playoff push, should they still be in contention.
The Trade Deadline and Beyond
The NHL Trade Deadline on Friday is one of the most significant days of the season, and the Penguins are no exception. The team’s recent struggles and their position at the bottom of the division mean that they are likely to be sellers rather than buyers. The potential trade of Rickard Rakell, their leading goal scorer, is a hot topic among fans and analysts. If the Penguins do decide to trade Rakell, it would signal a shift in their strategy, focusing more on future prospects and potentially rebuilding. The return of Tristan Jarry adds another piece to the puzzle, as the team tries to find the right mix of players to improve their defensive stability and goal-scoring prowess. Despite the challenges, there is still hope that the Penguins can make a late-season push, but the decisions made in the next few days will be crucial in determining their fate.
