(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Will they or won’t they? That’s the question so many NHL fans, not just of the Penguins are asking themselves. Will the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are led by Sydney Crosby, successfully make it to the Stanley Cup for the third time? Right now as the playoffs rapidly approach, it’s looking like the end of their season could go either way. Here are some reasons why the Penguins might/might not pull it off.
Why The Penguins Might Pull It Off:
- The thing to remember here is, it’s not over till it’s over. With nine regular-season games left to go before the playoffs, the Penguins still have room for slip-ups. But knowing their Captian Sidney Crosby, he would never let that happen! Have you seen his moves on the ice? Is there anything Crosby can’t do?
- The Penguins currently hold a 2nd place spot in the Metropolitan Division, right behind the Washington Capitals. After the team’s devastating 4-1 loss to the Islanders on March 20th, hopefully, their game on March 21st against the Montreal Canadiens proves just what kind take no prisoners mindset the Penguins are currently in.
- Crosby has assured not only his team but the fans as well, he will do whatever it takes to help make this three-peat win for the Penguins a reality. Evgeni Malkin along with Phil Kessel really stepped up their skills this season as well. This definitely helped alleviate some of the noticeable pressure on Sidney Crosby, which allowed him to really focus on improving his team for the final stretch.
- The Penguins new head coach Mike Sullivan has just the competitive edge this team needs to pull this miracle off. His coaching style has led them through an unbelievable regular season so far, let’s see if it helps them get to the playoffs!
Why The Penguins Might Not Be Able to Pull it Off:
- The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup Championship back-to-back, in 2016 & 2017. They are the first team to pull this off since my beloved Detriot Red Wings won back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998. If the Penguins are able to pull off the impossible task of a three-peat win this year, that would be a miracle on ice in itself. That alone would automatically make them the second best to the New York Islanders who pulled off four Stanley Cup wins in a row from 1980-83.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray was out nine games with a concussion, this already altered their chances without him on the ice to protect them.
- The fact that a three-peat is within their reach puts far more pressure on the Penguins to pull this chance at true greatness off. Not mention the fact that they lost their top favored goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to the Las Vegas Golden Knights. I’m not picking favorites here, but I do occasionally sport my Fleury Golden Knights jersey proudly.
- Crosby’s having an unusually rough season, with his 5-on-5 shooting percentage dropping below 10 percent. This is causing a majority of fans to have their doubts. Especially after his unbelievable 2016-17 season in which he scored 26 goals at 5-on-5.
These reasons alone could prove to either help or hurt the Pittsburgh Penguins as their chance at the Stanley Cup is within their grasp yet again. With a Captain as unbelievable and renown as Sidney Crosby, I do believe it is possible. But the Penguins still have nine games left to go in their regular season, before the playoffs become a reality for them once again. So it’s still anyone’s game boys!
As long as this team stays focused on their ultimate goal of a legendary three-peat win, it’s looking like this could prove to be one of the most pivotal years of hockey yet for the Pittsburgh Penguins.