The consistency’s not there at all,
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Thursday night after an uncompetitive 6-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. The defeat, which dropped Pittsburgh to 5-9-2 on the season, marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss and left them tied for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference.
A Struggling Start at PPG Paints Arena
The loss to Boston served as a jarring low point in a season that has seen the Penguins struggle to find stability. The Bruins capitalized on defensive mistakes, including a turnover by Erik Karlsson that resulted in a goal. Head coach Dan Muse noted the team’s defensive positioning and inability to handle rush goals, stating, The number of breakaways that we gave up, we can’t expect our goalies to come up with those saves.
The team has struggled to maintain focus throughout a full game, with Kris Letang noting, We’re on for 20, we’re off for 20. And you cannot win games consistently in this league if you’re doing that.
Nick leads the Penguins with seven goals this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/DPy01Hf6iM
The roster has faced criticism for being slow and small, with some observers questioning the usage of veteran players like Andrei Kuzmenko, Declan Carlile, and Justin Brazeau. While younger prospects such as Rutger McGroarty, Avery Hayes, and Harrison Brunicke remain in the AHL, they have yet to be recalled to address the team’s lack of speed. The current struggles have drawn comparisons to last season, where the team endured a hideous eight-game losing streak (0-4-4) before eventually qualifying for the playoffs. However, unlike last year, the team lacks the cushion provided by an early hot start in October.
Trade Protection Complicates Potential Roster Moves
With the team sitting near the bottom of the NHL standings, speculation regarding a roster sell-off has intensified. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on the FAN Hockey Show, suggested that general manager Kyle Dubas could begin making moves pretty quickly,
though the process is complicated by the significant trade protection held by veteran players. Erik Karlsson carries a full no-movement clause, while Evgeni Malkin must submit a three-team trade list by January. Rickard Rakell also holds limited protection, with an eight-team no-trade list.
Dubas is not looking to give players away for minimal return. Instead, the general manager is seeking high draft picks or prospects ready to contribute at the NHL level.
Crosby Expects to Continue Playing Beyond This Season
The team will also visit Anaheim and San Jose, with every game doubling as an audition for whoever is shopping. Coach Muse has emphasized that the focus is on correcting the details of the game, including puck recovery and building momentum through consistent shifts.
Josh Yohe: People I spoke to within the organization believe that, like last season, Evgeni Malkin doesn’t want this to be his last in Pittsburgh. He still has a passion for the sport and for the organization – The Athletic (11/5)
Reports indicate that those within the organization do not believe Crosby will retire after this season, nor does he appear interested in playing elsewhere. Crosby, who has recorded 10 points in 16 games, continues to lead the team, though he has acknowledged that his tone regarding his career has shifted compared to previous years. For now, the team must play a schedule that includes potential Stanley Cup contenders as they attempt to define a path for the immediate and longer-term future.
More on Boston Bruins
Josh Yohe – The Athletic – Crosby | The Penguins still view Crosby as a top-tier NHL player. Dubas won’t play hardball with Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson. It all comes down to how much longer Crosby wants to play. No one I’ve spoken with in the organization thinks Crosby will… pic.twitter.com/rOefmUfhus
Sidney Crosby: “We just got to be better. I mean, we’re not consistent enough through games. We’re just making mistakes that are big ones — big chances that we’re giving up.” Went on to say, “we can keep talking all we want, but it’s up to us to correct it.”
Justin Brazeau's on the scoresheet in his second game of the season! 🐧 pic.twitter.com/6mZcE0sTK9
ROBBIE! 🚨 The Penguins cut Boston's lead to 3-2 with 12:03 on the clock in the 2nd period. pic.twitter.com/MiozwzqiOo
