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.