NHL insider Josh Yohe explains why the Penguins' season outlook just changed
Photo credit: HU edit
NHL insider Josh Yohe revealed that only four teams have fewer regulation losses than the Penguins, and if they can get better in overtime, they'd make the playoffs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were able to come back with a strong showing on Monday as they claimed a 5-1 victory away from home against the Philadelphia Flyers, with the contest taking place inside the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Sidney Crosby led the charge with two goals, with Bryan Rust chipping in with a goal and two assists.
Also scoring were Tommy Novak and Kevin Hayes, with Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson contributing two assists apiece. Tristan Jarry was effective with 28 saves.
This was much needed. It was only two days removed from a tough 7-2 defeat in Toronto, and this being a rivalry must have been exactly what the Penguins needed to kick them back into gear.
What the Penguins dominated last night
Pittsburgh dominated the special teams aspect, going 3-for-4 on the power play with six successful penalty kills.
A solitary goal for the Flyers was scored by Tyson Foerster prior to his leaving with an injury. Dan Vladar had 22 saves for the Flyers.
Crosby began the scoring with a goal in the first period, adding another in the second, extending his points streak to three games. Rust added a power-play goal, with Novak and Hayes securing the victory in the third.
There is some additional perspective from NHL insider Josh Yohe that adds some credibility to this showing.
With their schedule some 32 percent of the way through, only Colorado, Los Angeles, Vegas, and Dallas have fewer regulation losses than Pittsburgh.
Why this regulation stat is so important
This indicates that Pittsburgh is a better team than many thought, that with improved overtime play, a playoff spot would not be difficult for them to come by, according to Yohe.
"The Penguins are way better than anyone imagined, and, if they can get better in OT, playoffs are attainable."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
Pittsburgh is now 13-7-5 with the victory over Philadelphia, which may indicate that their situation this year is slowly coming together in a positive manner.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
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