The Penguins’ Current Slump
On February 25, 2025, the Pittsburgh Penguins faced a tough setback as they lost 6-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. This loss has only deepened the team’s slide, which began after the 4 Nations Face-off break. Prior to the break, the Penguins were playing inspired hockey, but their return to the ice has been nothing short of disastrous. The team, which was just two points behind the Flyers in the Metropolitan Division standings, is now four points back and precariously close to the basement of the Eastern Conference, just two points away from the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres, notably, have four games in hand and have won seven of their last ten games, further complicating the Penguins’ playoff hopes.
The Goaltender’s Perspective
Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who allowed six goals in just over five periods of play, took the brunt of the blame. "We weren’t that bad," Nedeljkovic said, expressing his frustration. "I got beat clean on five shots against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, and we had six more tonight in not even five periods of play. It’s hard to look at these games and say we’ve played well, but we have. I just can’t stop anything right now, and it’s pretty frustrating. These guys deserve better." The goaltender’s self-criticism was palpable. He described the game’s pivotal moments, such as the first goal from a poor angle and the rapid succession of goals after a faceoff, which sapped the team’s momentum. "I don’t know what else to say. It’s disappointing," he added, emphasizing his personal struggle and the team’s collective frustration.
The Team’s Performance
Despite Nedeljkovic’s self-deprecation, head coach Mike Sullivan did not agree with his assessment. "Listen," Sullivan said, "the goaltending had nothing to do with it tonight. We simply weren’t good enough as a team." He doubled down on this point, insisting, "Ned’s a good goalie. Goaltending had nothing to do with it tonight." Sullivan blamed the team’s poor puck management and lack of physicality in puck battles. "If you don’t manage the puck in this game and you don’t play straight-ahead, you’re going to give teams easy offense," he explained. The coach noted that the Penguins had shown good energy at the start of the game but quickly succumbed to turnovers and careless plays, which cost them dearly.
Defensive Lapses and Individual Blame
The Penguins’ defensive breakdowns were a significant factor in the lopsided score. Each goal was a direct or indirect result of a turnover, poor gap control, or a defensive misplay. For instance, defenseman Erik Karlsson was involved in a turnover on one of the early goals, while Kris Letang’s gap control was lacking on another. Tyson Foerster’s goal came after Rickard Rakell turned the puck over in the neutral zone on an ill-advised pass. Matt Grzelcyk was beaten in a battle at the net-front, and P.O. Joseph was out of position and lost the puck, leading to further goals. The last goal was a result of a terrible breakout pass by Vincent Desharnais to Owen Tippett and a subsequent turnover by Danton Heinen, which set up Matvei Michkov’s tally. These consistent defensive errors highlight the need for the team to refocus on the fundamentals.
A Time for Change?
Given the Penguins’ current position and the upcoming trade deadline, there is a growing sense that significant changes are on the horizon. Sullivan’s comments suggest that while he believes in Nedeljkovic, the team needs to see what they have in rookie Joel Blomqvist. Blomqvist, who has been developing well at the AHL level, may get more starts to gauge his performance under pressure. This move is not a lack of confidence in Nedeljkovic but a strategic decision to evaluate the future of the team’s goaltending. The coach also mentioned the recent waiver claim of young defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok from the Utah Hockey Club, indicating a willingness to try new options and give them a chance to prove themselves over players like Joseph, who has been consistently beaten in physical battles and turning the puck over.
Looking Forward
The Penguins are in a challenging position, but the players and coaching staff remain determined. Defenseman Erik Karlsson emphasized the importance of taking things one day at a time. "We’ve just got to look one day at a time and game-by-game," he said. "We know the position that we’re in, and if you start thinking about the big picture, it might get a little bit discouraging, and we can’t let that happen. We’ve still got a lot of hockey left, and we’ve got a good group of guys in here. We’ve just got to stay in the moment and try and find it for each day." The team faces a rematch against the Flyers on Thursday, followed by a string of seven games against non-division opponents. While this schedule could provide a mental reset, it also means the Penguins will be playing crucial games outside their division, which doesn’t help their playoff aspirations. The trade deadline is just over a week away, and it’s likely that the Penguins will make moves to either bolster their chances or set the stage for a rebuild.
The Unfamiliar Territory
This season has been unlike any the Penguins have faced in recent years. They are in an unfamiliar position, with the potential for a lottery pick looming if they continue their slide. However, as Karlsson pointed out, the team will continue to compete. "These guys care, and they’re going to care until the regular season ends. Or, at least until they’re mathematically out of it," he said. While the talent level on the team may be questioned, the Penguins are known for their resilience. Fans hoping for a deliberate tanking season are likely to be disappointed, as the players are wired to want to win, even in the face of adversity. As the trade deadline approaches, the Penguins will need to make strategic decisions to navigate this tricky phase of the season.
