Penguins/NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the post-season by three points and had a positive goal differential on the season. But the man sitting in the General Manager’s chair did not put much stock into the Penguins surprising run to end of the season from the standpoint — he believes it meant little to show that this team was worth investing in like he had done in the summer of 2023 —
Over the summer, the head coach to the main core was said to be ‘pissed’ about the direction of the team and there’s certainly a chip on the shoulder of some to prove the GM wrong. Everyone respects the direction Dubas has taken but doesn’t mean the legacy players in the room and the coach agree with it.
“We aren’t favored by anybody to accomplish anything,” Dubas said at his Monday press conference. “And that’s not to build a narrative, that’s just simple fact. We’ve missed the playoffs the last two seasons here. As a result, I think that sets the external expectation for the season.”
And by the actions of Dubas this summer he pretty much buys into the external expectations. But, are there reasons to be cautiously optimistic about this group?
Forward Group
Are the Penguins a Top-6 forward short? Absolutely and it could be dire straits if there would be a steep decline for an Evgeni Malkin, something I wouldn’t expect, but where there’s some promise with this group in just being a deeper forward group overall with the depth in the system. You have a group of hungry players and interchangeable options that was so problematic with the roster last season. The Penguins believe they can play with more pace this season but also be tougher around the edges. The Penguins shift of being obsessed with defense, defense, defense from how they built the bottom-6 for the 23/24 should also be a positive, especially when Bryan Rust and Blake Lizotte get back in the lineup and Rust being back can move an O’Connor or Beauvillier to the third line. Rust is only expected to be miss a couple games.
Three bounce back players I’m Bullish On..
- Erik Karlsson – I’m drinking the Kool-Aid of how the organization feels that Karlsson is primed for a major impactful year in season two as a Penguin. Don’t be surprised to see him push towards an 80 point season, multiple team sources say.
2. Tristan Jarry – Regardless of the Alex Nedeljkovic injury, Jarry was going to get the first run as the true No. 1. I wouldn’t close the door on Jarry changing the narrative drastically this season……
3. Rickard Rakell – If Pittsburgh is more competitive than expected, Rakell is going to be one of the reasons why. The Penguins are confident and banking on 22/23 production from Rakell. Rostered in just 16% of fantasy hockey league’s (ESPN), pick him up as a waiver option…….
Honorable Mention: Kevin Hayes who has a chance to surprise some. He’s going to be better than most assume.
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Lowest Expectations for Newcomer: Cody Glass | He was making the team by default due to the GM taking on his $2.5 million contract but Glass for much of camp looked like a vanilla 13th/14th level player the Penguins don’t really have any use or need for. The front office likes him, though, so we will see where things go with him.
Most Intriguing: Rutger McGroarty | Some who saw every session did not feel McGroarty To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
Most Fascinating Early Storyline: Coaching Staff Doubling Down on Letang/Karlsson together for the #1 power play unit. The power play is going to be improved this season but will Letang/Karlsson ever work together? We’re going to find out right away…….
Scouts Buzz Biggest Concern: It isn’t the goaltending, it isn’t the power play……A common theme from evaluators is how To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
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