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Another loss, same problem as Oilers outclass Penguins, says insider


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Daniel Lucente
December 17, 2025  (9:33)
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Pittsburgh Penguins' Rickard Rakell takes a shot on Edmonton Oilers' Tristan Jarry
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh

NHL insider Josh Yohe revealed that the same problems plagued the Penguins last night vs. the Oilers, and they were just outmatched by a better team.

There was no lead to be blown on Tuesday night. The Pittsburgh Penguins finished off one of the most unusual homestands in their history with a reminder of how big a reminder of how big a gap there is between their club and the top teams in the league.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl dominated the action as the Edmonton Oilers won by 6-4 at the PPG Paints Arena. Leon Draisaitl accumulated four assists, his first of which contributed to him reaching the 1,000-point mark in his career. McDavid also scored two goals and accumulated two assists.
Tristan Jarry was back in Pittsburgh, this time in an Oilers jersey, making 26 saves on 30 shots in his second-straight win with Edmonton.
On the other side, Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner made his Penguins debut, taking the loss. Zach Hyman, Matt Savoie, Evan Bouchard, and Vasily Podkolzin also scored.
Crosby assisted on Erik Karlsson's second-period power-play goal, extending his career points to 1,722, just one point shy of the franchise record holder, Mario Lemieux.
Lemieux was in the house again tonight, but the record would have to wait as the Pens have an upcoming stretch of road games in Ottawa and Montreal. NHL insider Josh Yohe noted afterward that the same issues continue to follow the Penguins.

What led to a Penguins loss

Defensive breakdowns, a thin bottom six, and an inability to keep pace at even strength resurfaced, and this time they were simply outmatched by a better team.
"For all the self inflicted wounds during this losing streak, they simply played a better team last night."

- Josh Yohe

Why these string of losses are not affecting the Penguins locker room

Although the Penguins have now lost six games in a row and have suffered several losses in overtime games, the feeling in the room is anything but resignation.
Head coach Dan Muse acknowledged the frustration, but the Penguins remain focused on finding answers as the schedule turns unforgiving.
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Another loss, same problem as Oilers outclass Penguins, says insider

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