The way the Penguins have lost their first two games has been the frustrating part for some. It’s been kind of the same story as last season from mid-November on, failing to play 60 minutes, low percentage shots from the outside, playing with structure in the d-zone but getting caught puck watching in the defensive zone.

If the Penguins had lost the first two games by scores of 4-3 and 5-4, there would surely be a different vibe after two games. This year is supposed to be different in the Penguins getting back to being a fast attacking offensive team.

There’s been no evidence of it so far.

Against two quick teams, Dallas and Arizona, Pittsburgh looked like the slower team on each night that has raised some red flags.

As explained before, the Penguins offensive system under Mike Johnston is a system that generates shots but low quality scoring chances. It is too fixated on hitting the trailing defenseman off the rush as the No. 1 or No. 2 shooting option. Teams are willing to give that shot up almost every time and that’s a problem the Penguins are running into as the NHL has never been more coached up as it is now.

Since a 5-4 shootout loss to the Islanders on November 21, 2014, over the Penguins last 72 games (regular season/playoffs) under Johnston, Pittsburgh has a.431 winning percentage, winning just 31 times during than span.

A more staggering number is the team averaging 2.2To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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