Critical Issues the Penguins Must Fix to Secure Future Success

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the NHL's most successful franchises for the last two decades, but time is catching up with them.

If they wish to continue to be competitive and build for future success, there are a few key areas that they need to address: first and foremost, the blue line.

Defensive stability is an issue of concern. With an aging defensive corps, the Penguins have been unable to keep up with faster, younger competition. Kris Letang still flashes brilliance, but he can't carry the load indefinitely.

The team needs to add some youth and speed to the defensive corps, either through free agency, trades, or the draft.

Without a better and more reliable back-end, they'll continue to struggle to keep the puck out of their own crease, especially later in games.

One more glaring issue is depth scoring. For too long, the Penguins have leaned way too heavily on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and now Rickard Rakell. When those big-line players stop scoring, the offense evaporates in a hurry.

To compete in today's NHL, you need to get scoring from four lines. Developing younger players who can score or finding under-the-radar performers that can contribute on a daily basis is significant.

Lastly, the Penguins must address their inconsistency, particularly when it comes to holding leads. Too often this season, they've looked dominant for stretches, only to fall apart in the third period.

Whether it's a matter of discipline, stamina, or focus, they need to figure out how to close games. Championship teams find ways to lock things down when it matters most.

The ability is still there, but the clock is ticking. If the Penguins are to stay relevant and make a true playoff push, these issues can no longer be sidestepped.

Kyle Dubas will have a busy summer ahead to ensure Mike Sullivan has a better team to coach next season.