Penguins Wrap: Waiting is the Hardest Part
Remember when the Pittsburgh Penguins were ahead of Florida in the fight for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs, back in the waning days of the regular season?
That was barely a month ago.
Seems like a lifetime.
Maybe longer.
Since then, the Panthers, who qualified for postseason play in large part because the Penguins hacked up a hairball during their final home game, a 5-2 loss to woefully inept Chicago, have upset Boston and Toronto in the first two rounds of the playoffs, claiming a spot in the Eastern Conference final against Carolina.
And the Penguins? Well, they’ve had plenty of time to rest during these past four-plus weeks, and if they ever get around to hiring a general manager, perhaps they’ll get started on the daunting task of reconstructing the roster so that it not only can get back into the playoffs, but maybe even win a round for the first time since 2018.
Here’s a look at the Penguins’ most recent week of treading water:
Sunday
The Pittsburgh Penguins, who were able to draft Sidney Crosby because they came out on top of the 2005 NHL draft lottery, had a chance to win the one this year, too. Just not a very good one.
Monday
The Pittsburgh Penguins don’t move in the first-round draft order after the NHL conducts its lottery for the 16 clubs that didn’t qualify for the playoffs. Chicago was the big winner, ending up with the right to pick super-prospect Connor Bedard.
The Penguins would have had the fourth overall pick if they’d won the lottery. Here’s a look at some of the players who have been selected in that spot.
Tuesday
Should Mike Sullivan’s seat be a little warm in the fall? If so, why?
Kris Letang is one of three finalists for the Masterton Trophy, which recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Wednesday
Blue-collar winger Drew O’Connor deserves a chance to audition to be the badly needed net-front presence on the Penguins’ power play.
Thursday
What kind of player should the Penguins try to get with their first-round choice in the NHL Draft?
Friday
Regardless of who gets the job, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ next GM is will face a significant hurdle if/when trying to trade some prominent players.
Saturday
Making the case for Toronto’s Kyle Dubas to be the Penguins’ new general manager.
Categorized:Penguins
Dave will anyone do a recap on FSG ability to actually run a sport franchise? Since they bought the Pens I have casually followed their other “ BRANDs” in baseball & soccer and honestly don’t see much success. What am I missing that will be different for Pens?
Thanks
Mario
Mario is not coming back with FSG based on what I have heard, they tried to put it to him & Burkle.
I’m not saying that they’re going to be the best owners, but I don’t see how you’re getting that they haven’t had success. They’ve won 4 world series titles with the RedSox since they’ve owned the team, and Liverpool has won the Champions League, which is the most prestigious trophy in pro club sports, as well as the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup along with other smaller trophies. I don’t know where you heard that their teams haven’t won anything, but whoever said that is wrong.