The hidden problem the Pittsburgh Penguins must solve to stay in the race
Photo credit: ESPN
The Penguins got blown out yesterday vs. the Maple Leafs, giving up seven goals, which proves they will need to fix their defensive game to stay in the hunt.
The Pittsburgh Penguins certainly experienced a wake-up call this Saturday night, as they lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-2.
It is one of those nights where absolutely nothing seemed to go right, and this game is a symptom of a much larger issue. That issue is that the Penguins' defense is, quite simply, not good enough.
What the Maple Leafs did to the Penguins
Sidney Crosby was trying to spark something for his team, but Toronto dominated from the get-go.
Arturs Silovs was pulled just a minute or two into the second after giving up four goals, although Tristan Jarry was able to stem the bleeding, albeit because his team was now playing catch-up.
Auston Matthews, back from injury, and the assorted role players made sure to exploit every vulnerable area of the Penguins' defense. And then last night might have offered a clue to the actual plot.
Why the Penguins have managed to squeak by lately
The Penguins have managed to squeak by lately because of some timely scoring and good goaltending, but a game of this sort, yielding seven goals, blowing every layer of defense, and failing to answer back, is a good indication of just how close to the edge they're skating.
"It's time for the Penguins to start getting defensive about their game again."
- Dave Molinari
- Dave Molinari
The Penguins have managed to be a contending unit for most of this season, but nights such as these prove that a breakdown of their defense structure can lead to a world of trouble quickly.
If Pittsburgh is to have any hope of making the postseason, it needs to tighten up its play in front of its goalies.
They get another opportunity to reboot, but this one is one that should be allowed to stick in their minds. It was a loss, but it is a message about what must be repaired now.
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