Inside Pittsburgh SportsPENGUINS DWINDLING PLAYOFF HOPES

It was fun for a couple days while it lasted that just maybe the Penguins could put a string of games together and remain relevant in the playoff race for another week or so. Pittsburgh’s slim playoff hopes, though, took a sizeable nosedive with the upcoming schedule they have in a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. The game did not break open until a Luke Hughes power play goal off a lazy neutral zone Evgeni Malkin second period penalty. Pittsburgh, though, lost this pivotal game really in the first period. New Jersey got Pittsburgh running around in their own end, and not staying in lanes from the early moments after puck drop and Penguins couldn’t put together many significant stretches where they controlled play. The Devils winning by three goals was right on par with the eye test and we often see this with this current group where if a fast-paced rush team gets them running around early, they struggle to adapt………

“The start was disappointing, ” said Mike Sullivan. “They came out with a lot of pace but we didn’t match the urgency. They get a couple quick goals. We’re got to defend harder, we had inside positioning and we didn’t control our net-front nearly as much as we should have.”

Math: Pittsburgh’s odds for the #1 pick (4%) are now better than their playoff odds………

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Tidbits: As some fans are going crazy about Kyle Dubas comments to The Athletic about Mike Sullivan’s future, cannot say it again for the 20th time, the Penguins organization from top to bottom are 100% in sync that Mike Sullivan will be allowed the opportunity to remain behind the bench for the next phase whether it’s going all-in on contending which is the current plan or going the Capitals route. But there are so many layers to consider whether Sullivan is the head coach or not next season. The sense is everything is going to come down to him on whether he returns or not.

As of now chances are high Sullivan is back behind the behind the bench but………

Does Sullivan, who sources say has a desire to be a General Manager later in his career, have a wondering eye for an immediate better chance to compete is just one part of the process, — hello New Jersey where Sullivan has a good relationship with the General Manager and is said to think glowingly of the Devils long-term prospects to contender, — and another is how he feels with the likelihood of Penguins management bringing in an established veteran To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Rumblings: Those who know Kyle Dubas well in Toronto say anything he says is always calculated and thought out. Dubas putting the mutual parting scenario out there To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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— Ryan Graves is going to make Marcus Pettersson a ton of money this summer from the Penguins right? The thinking is yes as Pittsburgh might be backed into a corner where if they are steadfast on trying to compete, then you have to pay Pettersson who’s sweet spot is expected to be To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! Casey To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

NHL Buzz: Jake Guentzel has fit in right away with Carolina and showing how most contenders underestimated the impact he could have at the deadline as few stepped up to the table for him when they likely should have. When you think the game at an elite level like Guentzel does, you can pair him with any type of skilled linemates like what’s happening in Carolina and his game was bound to still resemble the player he was in Pittsburgh. The quick success/impact is going to help Guentzel immensely on his next deal……….John Tortorella benches his captain and the Flyers go out and win in Toronto for the first time in quite a while. It’s something how with today’s type of player Tortorella can still coach players like it’s the early 2000’s and get more out of his limited talent teams than almost anyone else can. With 78 points in 69 games, Flyers need to just play around .500 rest of the way and they’re likely in the playoffs……..