Penguins/NHL
- Penguins’ Playoff Chances Improve Significantly: With a fifth consecutive win and a substantial 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff probability has increased to 85%, positioning them as the third highest in the Eastern Conference.
- Top Contenders in the Eastern Conference: The Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes lead the Eastern Conference with playoff odds of 99.7% and 99% respectively, showcasing their strong positions as the season progresses.
- Penguins’ Strong Pace in the Race for the Playoffs: Playing at a 103-point pace, the Penguins are setting a robust foundation for their playoff bid, despite facing one of the NHL’s toughest schedules starting in March.
- Metro Division Standings and Playoff Dynamics: A significant gap is forming between CAR-PIT-NYI and others like Washington and Columbus, whose playoff odds have diminished.
- Strategic Outlook and Market Activity: Penguins’ management, led by Kyle Dubas, appears to be evaluating their position relative to division leaders, with the New York Islanders actively engaging as buyers early in the market
A fifth straight win and a dismantling of the 
Chicago Blackhawks in a 6-2 victory, the Pittsburgh Penguins with 30 games remaining have seen their playoff odds surge to a remarkable 85%, 3rd best playoff odds in the Eastern Conference:
 Playoff Odds Via MoneyPuck |
|---|
| 1. Tampa Bay Lightning | 99.7% |
| 2. Carolina Hurricanes | 99% |
| 3. Pittsburgh Penguins | 84.6% |
| 4. Detroit Red Wings | 82.4% |
| 5. Buffalo Sabres | 73.8% |
| 6. Montreal Canadiens | 71.8% |
| 7. New York Islanders | 68.9% |
| 8. Boston Bruins | 65.9% |
While one of the NHL’s toughest schedules looms the rest of the starting in March, the Penguins are giving themselves quite a runway in playing at a 103-point pace.
Metro Point Pace
- CAR – 110 Pts
- PIT – 103 Pts
- NYI – 99 Pts
- CBJ – 90 Pts
- WSH – 88 Pts
- PHI – 88 Pts
Major separation has started from CAR-PIT-NYI to the rest of the field in the Metro where Washington and Columbus’ playoff odds have diminished under 30%.
Kyle Dubas has always said he evaluates his club off the top three in the division. It will be interesting if Pittsburgh reacts to the New York Islanders who have attacked the market early as buyers in an accelerated unique year for themselves
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Best forechecking Penguins team in 10 years? Pittsburgh’s swarm and support system has seen them post Christmas break overwhelm the opposition and impose their will. It’s the biggest compliment you hear about this club right now from coaches, evaluators…….What shouldn’t get overlooked with the Penguins success this season is how well the makeshift room gets along and loves coming to the rink each day. It has played a factor in fueling their success. Even though rival executives still contend Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is willing to listen on some of his pending UFA’s because he believes they have depth that could step in, each game it’s becoming tougher and tougher they could move an Anthony Mantha or even a Noel Acciari who has had three teams interested in trading for him. [/hide]
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