Penguins Wrap: This Definitely is Not What They Had in Mind

The Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to enter the NHL all-star break on a roll, generating so much momentum that it might have carried over when play resumes next month.

That’s not going to happen.

Not when their final week before the break began with a dismal effort in a 5-2 defeat in Arizona — including an own-goal (pictured above) that won’t soon be forgotten — and was followed by a 3-2 shootout loss to Florida at home four nights later.

Here’s a look at how the past six days played out for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

Sunday

Evgeni Malkin is not happy with his game. Specifically, its lack of consistency.

Things happen when Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin are on the ice together. And, a lot of the time, they are not good. (+)

Monday

The Penguins turn in a dreadful performance, headlined by an own-goal, in a 5-2 loss at Arizona.

Based on the grades the Penguins earned for their work against the Coyotes, they should be repeating the course.

Could it be that Penguins fans have grown weary of watching the current core of players?

Tuesday

Should Kyle Dubas do a complete overhaul of the Penguins’ personnel to just make a few surgical tweaks?

Kyle Dubas tells a Canadian TV network that he won’t necessarily decide what to do about the Penguins’ roster by the all-star break.

Wednesday

Is Jesse Puljujarvi, who is playing on a professional tryout deal with the Penguins’ farm team in Wilkes-Barre, ready to return to the NHL? (+)

Although there are some real questions about the Penguins, Kris Letang believes that their commitment to winning isn’t one of them.

Penguins officials have to identify the team’s real problems before it can go about correcting them.

Mike Sullivan alters the makeup of the Penguins’ middle-six.

Thursday

Here’s a look at some Penguins prospects on a trajectory to make it to the NHL, some sooner than others. (+)

The Penguins recognize the need to add some consistency to their game.

Evgeni Malkin’s current linemates, Drew O’Connor and Colin White, fill well-defined roles for the unit.

The Penguins acquire forward Maxim Cajkovic from Minnesota for defenseman Will Butcher.

Friday

The Penguins’ power play lets them down yet again, going 1-for-8 in a game when it could have made a positive difference.

The Penguins got a point out of their 3-2 shootout loss to Florida, but they really needed two. (+)

Here’s why Kyle Dubas traded defenseman Will Butcher to the Wild for a minor-league forward.

You asked, he answered. It’s a Penguins Q&A.

Former Penguins center Ryan Poehling gets a new contract in Philadelphia.