Editorial Staff
In hockey circles, talk of desperation is incessant. Lose the season opener? “We lacked desperation,” they’d say. But the truth is, desperation isn’t something you can fabricate. You either have it or you don’t. And now, these Penguins find themselves undeniably desperate.
Their desperation was on display in Vancouver on Tuesday night. According to historian Bob Grove, their 4-3 victory marked the first time they won a road game after trailing in the final two periods since December of last year. It seems they’re desperate to remain relevant and ward off any thoughts of dismantling the team by general manager Kyle Dubas.
While it wouldn’t be shocking if they lost the next three games, performances like this offer a glimmer of hope. The Penguins have now won three games in a row, making it the second-longest streak in the Eastern Conference. They’re 3-0-1 since Dubas stated he would let their performance dictate his decisions at the upcoming trade deadline.
Their recent win mirrored playoff intensity. Despite missing key players like Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust, they fought back from a 2-0 first-period deficit and a 3-2 third-period setback. Their effort resembled that of 18 Sidney Crosbys, showcasing perhaps their most significant win of the season.
Players like Noel Acciari sacrificing their bodies, Drew O’Connor and Valterri Puustinen injecting energy into the team, and Tristan Jarry delivering a stellar performance, all contributed to the victory. Even newcomers Reilly Smith, Erik Karlsson, and Lars Eller combined for a crucial goal, signaling potential chemistry within the team.
Perhaps there were unrealistic expectations placed on Karlsson, expecting him to replicate his past brilliance nightly. However, with 18 points in his last 21 games, Karlsson seems to be finding his rhythm, emphasizing the need to allow him the freedom to play his style of hockey.
The Penguins’ strength lies in their offensive defensemen, Karlsson and Kris Letang. Utilizing them fully and embracing a more aggressive approach has led to an uptick in goals scored. While they’ve excelled defensively, there’s been a need to take more offensive risks and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
In recent games, the power play has shown signs of life, though there’s room for improvement. The team’s success historically hinges on star power, special teams, and goaltending, with Tuesday’s game demonstrating two out of three elements in their favor.
However, there’s a need for more physicality to deter opponents from taking liberties against them. Despite being one of the least penalized teams, they’ve often faced rough treatment without significant retaliation.
Nevertheless, their recent display of determination could sway decisions regarding the team’s future. Whether viewed as positive or negative, their effort deserves recognition. The question now remains: Can they sustain this momentum?