The Yellow Tape Between the Pipes for the Pens

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Kuljit Parmar

If you are closely following the Pittsburgh penguins hockey team at this point, you would know that they are rebuilding and modestly forming an all-star team around an aging yet still agile and well-experienced Sidney Crosby, as well as coming to terms as to whether to sign both team legends Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin — and hope the both of them retire as penguins. 

It’s an odd-ball to say the least, but the homework is there to observe.

But for now, I will explain the seriousness of the profound job that management has done to procure a goaltending system that has an advantage for the team to contend in their respective division. 

Tristan Jarry is not your run of the mill goaltender.

He’s shown an above average ability to win games in the regular season, and is by definition, an All-Star Net-Minder. The big question remains - will he be able to close out a series in net during the playoffs? For that to happen, he needs to become more skilled with quickness when facing special-teams.

Casey DeSmith is your league average backup, but he’s shown serious flashes. 

His reflexes are phenomenal and reluctant to pass up and his ability to get around the net is described as “quick and mobile” by himself, with a great nac to maneuver around the net when on the ground.

Where he can work to build his game is on his plays to limit the rebounding and be keenly excessive to protect the puck.

Louis Domingue as we know played his first few games in the postseason in the NHL, but fared somewhat well in a sense he played his best and most heartful games during the Penguins-Rangers series span. Also, at 30 years of age, with a height of 6 feet 3 inches, which gives him a good advantage between the pipes.

And the aspect where his game takes shape is by utilizing his size and being more physical towards the opposing team’s offense.

Also, considering the goaltending coaching staff can also help all three goaltenders feel comfortable in net with the defensive chemistry taking shape in a manner that will work well with a trio of stars.

With free-agency looming and so many questions with not enough answers as to who will be signed and who will walk as well as what are the necessary steps to take to procure a stable team that will move forward in the playoffs and be postseason champs again with a dynasty worthy team?

All that lies with our fierce great general manager Ron Hextall and his staff, with all eyes on the market, not just for Pittsburgh, but the Eastern Conference and the Rivals in the West to scout the competition.

Bottom Line: You can have as many good skilled forwards and defenseman as you want. It won’t matter unless you have a great goalie to support them.