Pittsburgh Penguins (18-11-4, 40 pts): Last year’s Stanley Cup finalists seem to be following the exact same path as they did last year, as yet again, the Penguins have found themselves having to deal with the loss of star goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. While Fleury has managed to return earlier than last year, the talented Penguins find themselves near the bottom of a stacked Atlantic division. Don’t count the defending Eastern Conference champs out just yet, though.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin are currently the top two point scorers in the NHL, and a talented supporting cast has helped the Penguins stay within reach of the playoffs. Pittsburgh is currently the 3rd most productive offensive unit in the Eastern Conference with 110 goals. While Malkin (15-43-58) and Crosby (14-33-47) have certainly played a major role, the Penguins have been finding offense from some unexpected places. Alex Goligoski, a young rookie defenseman, has earned himself consistent playing time with solid play at both ends of the ice, recording 18 points while maintaining a +11 rating, no small feat considering the fact that Pittsburgh has allowed as more goals than teams like Tampa Bay, Nashville and Phoenix.
Fleury’s return should be the piece that helps the Penguins return to dominance in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Dany Sabourin filled in capably for Pittsburgh, but only managed to win 6 of 16 starts despite posting a 2.55 GAA. Whether the Penguins just play better in front of Fleury or not, they need to start winning games on a regular basis or they may find themselves in an unfavorable position come playoff time.
All that being said, Pittsburgh> still boasts one of the most explosive offensive lineups in the NHL, and if they can stay injury-free, they should be just fine. With a solid defensive corps, bolstered by the addition of veteran defenseman Philippe Boucher and the continued growth of many of their younger core players like Tyler Kennedy (6-9-15) and Mike Zigomanis (62.9% faceoffs won), the Penguins should be right in the thick of things come February.
Current League Rankings
Goals - 6th Goals Against - T-19th Powerplay Goals - 10th Powerplay Percentage - 10th Shorthanded Goals - T-11th Penalty kill percentage - 18th
