Penguins Wrap: The Roller-Coaster of Highs & Lows

The past seven days were a microcosm of what the Pittsburgh Penguins can expect to experience over the course of this season.

There were defeats and disappointments, mixed with a little success and satisfaction.

Here’s how the past week played out for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

Sunday

Sidney Crosby says the Penguins have “a lot” of things they must improve after losing three of their first five games.

Drew O’Connor, who had an excellent preseason, believes he is capable of more than he has shown in the early days of this season. (+)

Many of the grades for the Penguins’ 4-2 loss to the Blues were as poor as you might have expected.

Monday

The Penguins’ first five games have produced more questions than points.

The Pittsburgh Penguins entered this season full of enthusiasm and optimism, and insist their 2-3 start hasn’t had an impact on any of that. (+)

With losses in each of their past two games, the Penguins make a personnel change to the No. 1 power play.

Tuesday

The Penguins’ losing streak reaches three games after a 4-1 defeat by Dallas at PPG Paints Arena.

Defenseman John Ludvig leaves the game after apparently being knocked out while delivering a big hit.

The Penguins did some good things against the Stars, but there was a lot to not like about their game, too.

Wednesday

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ problems run deeper than most people associated with the team are inclined to admit.

The Penguins announce that defenseman John Ludvig suffered a concussion Tuesday and that goalie Alex Nedeljkovic has an unspecified lower-body injury.

Do the Penguins have major issues or are they just suffering some tough luck while trying to convert their scoring chances? Opinions in the locker room are split.

Here’s a three-pronged suggestion for how to get the Penguins’ power play back on track.

The Penguins recall goalie Magnus Hellberg from their farm team in Wilkes-Barre after placing Alex Nedeljkovic on the Long-Term Injured list, and make a salary cap-related, paper move involving Radim Zohorna.

Trade talk around the NHL is beginning to pick up. (+)

Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins turn in their most impressive performance of the season in a 4-0 victory against Colorado.

It wasn’t hard to find strong showings from numerous players when the Penguins shut out Colorado.

Vinnie Hinostroza is recalled from the Penguins’ farm team in Wilkes-Barre.

The Penguins’ third line became more effective when Radim Zohorna joined it. It wasn’t a coincidence. (+)

Friday

The Penguins acknowledge that getting a solid win over a quality opponent like Colorado is something they’ve needed.

Beating the Avalanche the way they did reminded the Penguins of just how well they can fare when they play to their potential.

Kris Letang’s duties on the Penguins’ defense changed when they acquired Erik Karlsson during the offsesason, but he’s adapted very nicely to his new role.

Saturday

The Penguins had hoped they could build on the victory against Colorado, but a 5-2 defeat by Ottawa scuttled that plan.

The loss to Ottawa is the latest reason for the Penguins to seek answers to some troubling questions.

Former Penguins prospect Adam Johnson is seriously injured in a gruesome accident during a game in the United Kingdom.