Penguins Continuing to Deliver in December

Story by Yinzer Crazy Penguins Contributor Kuljit Parmar

The Pittsburgh Penguins are surging, as they are now on a five-game winning streak.

To our delight, their hot play has not changed much throughout late November till the present of mid-December. Going 5-1-1 in the last seven contests against some tough competition has once again given fans hope that this team can make a run in the playoffs.

Most importantly, the third and fourth line improvements are making this team even stronger with character and disciplined goals from forwards like Kasperi Kapanen, and Bryan Rust, who is picking up his game once again with a high level of confidence. Both have managed their way to the second powerplay unit, where they have produced fantastically.

Also, Brock McGinn continues to score and assist at a consistent level with great poised play in his gae.

There was no doubt that Kapanen would be poised to break out during the past two contests, especially after being a healthy scratch for the past nine games, and Brock McGinn continuing with his break-out year.

With the success glowing what is there to criticize about the Pittsburgh Penguins?I will reiterate the fact that the Penguins should tweak their defense a little more or start calling up players that are developing in the minors to help improve the outlook with Letang down.

Given the fact that it would be quite welcome for those players who want to make a run for the cup and be part of a great fanbase.

But, to be honest with you, there are not many players the Penguins would like to give up, and rightfully so, due to the restrictions of contracts or the level of depth attached to these players.

However, getting the right pieces with a strategic outlook of the league in general and making moves accordingly may just do the trick.

So, who do you trade for?

To bolster the defense, there are many top-notch defensemen in the league with expiring contracts this year and mainly there have been rumors for many of them looking to be traded by their respective clubs. Trading for star-forwards might be out of the question depending on who is acquired and for the price the Pens would have to pay, but may work out regardless depending on how you shuffle the lines on the roster.

There are many aspects the Pittsburgh Penguins management will be looking at and to reiterate GM Ron Hextall’s latest news that he will not be looking to make a trade, but might change his mind come late December to early January. That is if the deal is enticing enough to pull the trigger and work accordingly with the coaching staff on that part of the game.

For now, my Yinzers, let’s keep the faith, Wishing All-Star Elite Defenseman Kris Letang a speedy and healthy recovery.