This week has been the story of ‘lifeless’ performances for Pittsburgh sports teams. The Penguins Wednesday night vs the Lightning, followed again by the Steelers Thursday night at home against the Patriots.

Are these also two franchises in a period where both are stuck in that bad spot of being in the ‘middle of going nowhere?’ Time will tell on the Penguins, but more and more evidence emerges that’s more likely than not of where they’re also at………..

Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas in a way put his team on watch during his weekly radio appearance saying prior to Wednesday’s matchup vs the Lightning that Pittsburgh’s next two games were going to massive measuring sticks for him to see where his club really is. Dubas’ team responded with quite the lifeless performance vs the Lightning and the addition of Erik Karlsson brought a thought that when the Penguins lose they would be at least entertaining this season, instead it’s been a tough product to watch at times.

Pittsburgh without question started this season with about two Top-9 quality forwards short and as injuries to Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell have piled up and the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Reilly Smith fading over the last three weeks, the pressure has mounted on Kyle Dubas that a shakeup is needed in a number of areas whether it’s personnel to the coaching staff.

But what if the next little while continues to give Dubas more and more evidence this group is not worth helping out? As much as Dubas went all-in with the Erik Karlsson trade to try to get another run out of the core, could he do a 360 sooner than anyone imagined? A strong thinking around the league is Dubas who netted a 7-year contract in the $45 million range, is just as likely to decide two months from now to blow To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

It would be something if Dubas this soon into the job does what the past ownership actually hired Ron Hextall in February 2021 to do………Nonetheless, rival executives regard To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Sign or Trade Guentzel Mandate? Guentzel is obvious for a number of reasons. Guentzel has every right to shoot for $8.5-$9 million per season on an eight-year deal. Pittsburgh, though, has every right to be leery if they’re headed towards a re-tool/rebuild. That’s kind of where Dubas & Co are. There’s been multiple discussions between the two sides with one belief around the league Pittsburgh showed willingness To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailRumors: Rival Clubs saying 95% Chance Guentzel gets traded according to Top NHL Insider Rumors: Matt Murray trade market heating up? Trade Analysis: What Bjugstad, McCann bring to the table; Penguins Personnel Shift, Risky Philosophy & the Wildcard of the deal Rumors: Sabres turned down offer from Penguins for Kane, letting market play out