Playing GM: How the Penguins Get Back to the Playoffs Next Season (+)

Pittsburgh Penguins fans can commiserate with this writer. The lack of playoffs in these parts is a bit surprising, except for the handful of people who obstinately predict the worst and offer wistful nights watching the series on television.

(Unless you temporarily move to Las Vegas to cover the Vegas Golden Knights run, of course).

Covering Vegas vs. Edmonton has shown just how far the Penguins are from playoff contention. Former Penguins center Teddy Blueger was a Vegas acquisition at the NHL trade deadline, but he’s far down their depth chart and probably won’t play in the playoffs.

The speed of both teams combined with the defensive zone discipline by Vegas is striking compared to the 82 games played by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The depth of scoring talent and heavier players who can skate in the bottom six casts a harshly negative light on the Penguins’ roster construction.

No, the current Pittsburgh Penguins roster won’t do well next season.

So…