Penguins Feel Season Turning, Except One Thing (+)

By Dan Kingerski |

Jan 13, 2024

Pittsburgh Penguins, Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, Ryan Graves — Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, middle, is congratulated by defenseman Ryan Graves, left, and center Sidney Crosby (87) after scoring against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are supposed to lose. They are supposed to sink into terminal disrepair, thus needing an overhaul. With a core group of players who are no younger than 33 years old, the end should be nigh, except the Penguins are attempting to return that letter to sender.

Yes, the Penguins are generally old enough to have received paper mail.

The first half of the Penguins season often included the team looking every bit their age. They are the oldest team in North American pro sports (30.8 average years old). The team also has a bevy of new players in prime positions and on special teams.

Yet there’s no denying the recent trends and numbers. Seven wins and 16 points (7-2-2) in their last 11 games would be a Presidents’ Trophy pace over 82 games.

With stitches holding together a nasty forehead cut he received near the end of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Kris Letang encapsulated the Penguins season.

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