Penguins Postgame: Are Playoffs Actually Possible?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have earned three of four possible points in their last two games and have surprisingly gained ground in the playoff race. The Penguins overcame another lifeless start and surged past the San Jose Sharks, 6-3 at PPG Paints Arena.

The win put the Penguins five points behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot.

After a season of sideways results and frustration, are the playoffs possible? PHN’s Dan Kingerski unpacks the complicated Penguins win, the poor performances, and the couple of players who rose to the challenge. There were also several larger issues, including Drew O’Connor’s emergence, struggling defensemen, Sidney Crosby’s recent play, and his changing linemates.

“If they played a better team, in the first period (that team) would have run them out of the barn,” said Kingerski. “It speaks to the Penguins still struggling to find their motivation.”

And, of course, Kingerski went to the unthinkable, and the only thing the team wants to talk about:

Could the Penguins actually make the playoffs?