The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a critical season, and their upcoming games in October could determine the fate of the team. They will play against the same teams that exposed their weaknesses last season, including Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Last season, the Penguins had a disastrous game against Toronto, losing 7-0, which highlighted cracks in the team’s unity. Despite warnings from management, the team continued to struggle with consistency, leading to a series of disappointing losses. The final blow came during their Western Canada swing, where they suffered a crushing defeat to the Edmonton Oilers.
This season, the Penguins will face the same teams again, and their performance will be crucial in determining the direction of the organization. The team’s management, led by Kyle Dubas, is under pressure to make tough decisions about the roster. Several players are at risk of being traded or waived, including Sam Poulin, Valtteri Puustinen, Cody Glass, and Anthony Beauvillier.
Coach Mike Sullivan and Dubas will have to make complex roster decisions, and the team’s performance in September and October will be critical. The Penguins have a crowded roster, with 19 players competing for 13 or 14 forward spots. This means that some players will be left out, and the team will have to make tough choices.
Dubas is trying to rebuild the team with younger, hungrier players, but this process will take time. If the team is not successful early in the season, Dubas may have to make deeper cuts and trade more veterans. The players are aware of this, and those with no-trade clauses may become more willing to collaborate on their destinations.
The next two months will be crucial for the Penguins, and their performance will determine the fate of the team. Even Coach Sullivan’s job may be at risk if the team does not perform well. The Penguins’ fans are bracing themselves for a critical season, and it’s time to “buckle up” for a wild ride.
