Penguins have mishandled Whitney since returning from injury

The Penguins begin a crucial 5 game stretch beginning Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens. So much for the Penguins turning the corner after beating the Rangers 6-2 Wednesday night. Losing to a rebuilding team like the Leafs shouldn’t happen. The biggest disappointment with this team is their inability to clear the front of the net in the defensive zone. Head coach Michel Therrien and associate coach Andre Savard are defensive minded coaches and just as Mike Yeo takes the heat for the power play struggles, Savard and Therrien deserve some criticism for the Penguins defensive struggles.

The Penguins have mishandled Ryan Whitney since he came back from off-season foot surgery. Whitney is clearly struggling and since his first game back he has been among the Penguins leaders in ice time. He should have been gradually brought back not playing 25+ minutes off the bat.

Bill Thomas was a -2 against the Leafs but was 10-4 on face-offs.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports, There's talk Panthers GM Jacques Martin has had talks with Penguins GM (and old friend from their Senators days) Ray Shero about a Jay Bouwmeester for Ryan Whitney and draft picks deal.

The Penguins are looking at interest in Whitney but not for another defenseman.

The Penguins are very interested in