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NHL insider outlines two statistics showing the Penguins may be legitimate contenders
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh
NHL insider Josh Yohe has revealed two key statistics that prove the Penguins may be legitimate contenders this season and could chase a Stanley Cup.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had rather low expectations for this season, but have been rather surprising for most analysts.
This is because their veteran group continues to perform well, but is now being led by a new breed of players emanating from their GM's efforts to bring together talented youngsters.
Young defenseman Harrison Brunicke is also displaying promise to begin with, but his lack of experience is now becoming apparent. Brunicke is just 19 years of age and is still finding it tough to adjust to the speed of play at the NHL level.
The goalie giving the Penguins renewed hope for the future
Sergei Murashov is making his presence felt right away for Pittsburgh. This 21-year-old goalie registered a shutout for a 4-0 win against Nashville on November 16 and was effective in his inaugural outing for Pittsburgh against Los Angeles, denying 24 of 27 shots on goal.
One of the most surprising rookies overall in the league at this point is 18-year-old Ben Kindel.
Playing alongside Sidney Crosby, Kindel has registered five goals and two assists in 17 games and is now very much in contention for the Calder Trophy award for his adept two-way performance.
One thing that recently caught the attention of hockey fans was a comment by NHL insider Josh Yohe regarding specific statistics.
Why the Penguins should be taken seriously as Stanley Cup contenders
Having roughly reached the 25% point of the season, only Colorado and Chicago have yielded fewer goals than Pittsburgh's 50 allowed, and only three teams have a better goal differential than Pittsburgh's +12: Colorado, Chicago, and Carolina.
"Only two teams (Colorado and Chicago) have allowed fewer goals than the Penguins (50). Only three teams (Colorado, Chicago and Carolina) have a better goal differential than the Penguins' plus-12."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
This indicates that not only are they making strides, but they may have a genuine shot at pursuing another Stanley Cup title.
Ultimately, no one knows what to expect from youngsters, but their presence, combined with excellent team performance, may indicate that the future for the Penguins is closer than presumed.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 27 ANSWERS NHL insider outlines two statistics showing the Penguins may be legitimate contenders Have these 2 statistics turned you into a believer? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 66.7 % |
| No | 9 | 33.3 % |
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