PITTSBURGH — Good morning, everyone. May your holiday shopping go more smoothly than the Penguins protecting a one-goal lead in the last minute.
That would be something if it isn’t.
The Penguins have gone on quite an adventure through two months of this season, and the pros have far outweighed the cons. But there is much to discuss.
Thanks, as always, for the great questions.
Away we go.
Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.
What are some updated, realistic expectations for the rest of the year for the Pens? — Joey
The Penguins have played 28 games, which is 34 percent of their season. At this point, I think it’s fair to say my expectations have changed.
They’re a lot better than I thought. They’re not a championship contender and still have some glaring weaknesses. But they’re on pace to clear 100 points.
Their goaltending is much better this season, largely because of Tristan Jarry’s stunning rebound. Erik Karlsson is a better, different player. Evgeni Malkin, too. Parker Wotherspoon, Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha were excellent signings. Rookie Ben Kindel is a revelation. So, yes, the Penguins are better than expected.
I think it’s realistic to hope for and expect a playoff berth. At this point, if the Penguins don’t reach the postseason, the season will be a disappointment. This is what happens when expectations change. The goal is to get Sidney Crosby and Malkin to the postseason one last time while showing the way for future success in the likes of Kindel, Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. Finishing with 93 points and barely missing the playoffs isn’t the way.
Pens are in a fascinating predicament. Better than expected, but not in a position to buy/compete. Assuming they continue to hover around the top wild-card spot, what’s the deadline look like? Kyle Dubas won’t sit idle, so what will he try to do? — Mcgee
How do you know he won’t sit idle? He may. He’s not in a position to give up a significant future asset for short-term gratification. He also isn’t in a position to sell off a big piece because he’ll lose the locker room.
Doing nothing sounds prudent.
If they’re in contention for a playoff spot come March, I could see him making a minor move, perhaps giving up a third- or fourth-round pick for a veteran who can help a bit. Something like that. But I wouldn’t expect anything major unless something changes.
Penguins keep losing in horrifying ways. Yet they have the seventh-best points percentage in the league, and took 6 of 8 points against four playoff teams. Where do they go from here? What do you make of this team? — BluePenguin
Right? On one hand, they exhibit no hockey IQ at the end of games and are maddening.
On the other hand, yeah, like you said: They’re compiling points impressively. And in their last two games, they outplayed two of the NHL’s hottest teams.
So, what to make of them? They’re better than we thought. They also have a lot of bad habits that have been there a long time. Dan Muse has done a wonderful job, but he hasn’t been perfect recently, and it’s up to him to address the bad habits.
You know, Josh, I complained about who was on the ice for the last 17 seconds against the Ducks. Then it occurred to me – it shouldn’t have mattered who was on the ice, especially when you have future Hall of Famers, you win the draw and you have to kill 17 seconds. Absolutely disgraceful. — Savi
I hear what you’re saying. I do. But I’m going to disagree a bit. It does matter who is on the ice, and when have Kris Letang or Karlsson, for instance, ever proven to be the best players on the ice for a team in that situation? Compounding this, how does it make sense for both of them to be on the ice?
It’s still the coach’s responsibility to give his team the best chance to win and to succeed in certain situations. I don’t like the decision he made on this one.
Would the Pens have been better off having one player take the final faceoff and the other four standing at their blue line like it’s the anthem? — Stephen
So, basically, the kind of defense that NFL teams use against a Hail Mary?
Probably. Everything they did in those final 17 seconds was awful. Tommy Novak with a weak forecheck. Crosby failing to pin the puck on the boards. Bryan Rust could have played it better at the blue line. Letang, to me, was the biggest offender by playing the puck instead of the body. Karlsson going to the ice and sweeping the puck into his own net wasn’t a great look, either.
Yikes.
Should Tuesday’s loss trigger a reconsideration of a big trade? The attitude suddenly seems too comfortable with what is becoming Groundhog Day, and this season is shot anyway if this is the norm — Slavic
That’s a reactionary take if ever there has been one. It’s still just one game.
I don’t think it would be wise for the Penguins to make any big trades right now, nor do I think they should react aggressively to what happened Tuesday night, as horrifying as it was.
What would it take for Bokondji Imama to get a long stint with the team? He brings great energy and can skate and cycle the puck much better than a typical “goon.” Seems like the team feeds off his energy when in the lineup. — Michael
I agree with you. I’m a big fan. But I think you’re going to see him sporadically come to Pittsburgh during the season. The truth is, when the Penguins are healthy, they pretty much know what their lines are.
Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Brazeau-Malkin-Mantha
McGroarty-Kindel-Koivunen
Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari
This leaves out Novak, who has played well lately. He’ll be a fill-in when someone gets hurt, and let’s be honest, someone is usually hurt. If Brazeau fades — he hasn’t been super effective without Malkin in the lineup — maybe you give Novak a look on that line.
This also leaves out Kevin Hayes, who remains a nice veteran to have around but isn’t someone who needs to be in the lineup regularly.
I’d find a way to have Imama here at all times, and play him when necessary. But it’s a crowded forward lineup.
Bryan Rust is a warrior, but would he consider some maintenance time when Rakell returns? — Andrew
No. He would not. Nor should he.
Rust hasn’t been quite as good this season from a two-way standpoint. I think he’s been a bit off his game at five-on-five, and it could be that he’s not playing at 100 percent. Clearly, he’s not. The guy gets hurt seemingly every game. But he’s still very good and has been terrific on the power play. He’s one of their most important players. He hasn’t been great, but he’s been fine. The Penguins would really feel it if he weren’t in the lineup.
Josh, it’s time to return to home white jerseys. How do we make this happen? Can you lead the charge? — Vince
I couldn’t agree more. But listen, I recently conducted a poll on X, asking fans if they preferred the current playoff format or the old, 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 format. An astonishing 95 percent of people want the old way back, and 95 percent of people don’t agree on anything. Players also unanimously prefer the old way.
The NHL knows this is what the fans want, but the league thinks it knows better than you do. So I can’t imagine it’ll consider bringing white jerseys back for home games, even though most fans prefer that as well.
Who’s your favorite Pittsburgh mascot? — Andrew
Clearly, the Pirate Parrot. That guy could really party in the 1980s. One has to respect that.
Any suggestions for a new hobby since every Pittsburgh sports franchise, outside of the Riverhounds, is falling apart? — Dan
I wouldn’t say the Penguins are falling apart. They’re a great story and exceeding any reasonable expectations. The Steelers are driving me crazy because they never change what they’re doing or who is in charge, but they’re still in first place in their division, so I can’t say “falling apart” is accurate. The Pirates are even doing a great job of persuading their fans that they’re all in. So, things are looking up.
As for a new hobby … I’m probably the worst person to ask. I’m so boring. I watch sports. Write articles. Eat. Sleep. Play with my pets. Drive to Canada to see my kids. That’s pretty much my life. I’m the one who should be asking you about hobbies that might be good for me. I need one.
Thanks for reading, everyone. Another mailbag is coming soon.
