Recapping Penguins Recent 3-Game Stretch

Story by Yinzer Crazy Penguins Expert Kuljit Parmar

In the past three contests the Penguins have played, they won two, which could not be more welcomin to the team and fanbase. Even though they had a big game in Montreal, but came up just short in the late stages of this past Saturday night bout.

So, what’s with the new attitude in the gameplay by Pittsburgh that has brought on the resurgence?

It seems to be that the team is in fact playing with more poise that is being well-executed in plays as a result of good coaching. Not to mention that the Penguins are playing with more physicality to their game and presenting themselves with more opportunities around the net because of it.

Also, on a positive note, it seems we have two players who are having careers years to date.

First off, Jason Zucker. He has been on a tear since the beginning of the season and has elevated his game to an all-star level that is paying dividends for the Pittsburgh management. Zucker is averaging almost a point a game, with 9 in the past 11 games, and is on pace to tally well over 60 points.

Second, being Jake Guentzel, who yet again is on a crazy scoring pace, coupled with a strong plus 2 rating.

Which mainly compliments his skating ability and playmaking skills. He has recorded 12 points in 9 games and is playing extremely well.

And we can't forget about Rickard Rakell. His presence on the ice has benefited the penguins lineup because of his overall on-ice awareness that is complemented by his two-way game. His ability to win faceoffs has taken shape, with an amazing 66.7 percent faceoff rating.

Josh Archibald is another notable name that has been noticed for his skating ability the team has benefited from, with positive results ensuing.

A couple of other notable names that are producing well are Ryan Poehling, who is looking good in a turn around year, after a failed stent in Montreal. Add in Brock McGinn, who has been on a scoring run the past four games with one short-handed goal with a few uncharacteristic plays made along the way.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing with a tough mentality that is giving them the edge with a tougher for-checking ability that is presenting many opportunities for the team in the offensive zone.

The defense has been smothering as of late as well, keeping the opponents down with the goaltending standing out. Casey DeSmith’s back to back wins and games played has helped the Pens with their excellent gameplay and maintain level of focus throughout the tilts. Tristan Jarry is not struggling in my opinion. He might be playing with a nagging injury.

In many ways to come, there will be ups and downs, but, with a positive result ensuing with those stretches. Due to the fact that this team is well-equipped with depth to elite players. It would make sense that the woes are learned earlier and the team gets a feel for each other at the beginning, rather than struggle later on in the season.

I am confident that this team will make the postseason and dare I say advance at least two rounds and give the fans a run.

Let’s go My Yinzers!