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

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.

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.

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.