Penguins Disappoint in Sportsnet's Updated NHL Power Rankings

The latest version of Sportsnet's power rankings has led to questions about the future of one key part of the Penguins after a disappointing stretch.

Penguins Inconsistency Leads To Fall In Latest Power Rankings

Over their last 10 games, the Pittsburgh Penguins are 5-4-1. After missing the playoffs last season and then going all in on Erik Karlsson fans were expecting a major turnaround.

Despite having their core players back to normal the turnaround has not come. This has made Sportsnet drop the Penguins to 16th in their rankings. It has also placed the blame squarely on one individual in their explanation for the drop in rankings.



With two coaching changes already made by struggling teams with big expectations could Mike Sullivan be next?

Is Sullivan On The Hot Seat After Inconsistent Start?

With the Penguins struggling despite most of the key players performing this points to the x-factor being coaching.

Sullivan has been the head coach of the Penguins since 2015-16. He has failed to recapture the magic that he had with this group in his first two seasons winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. These championships built up a lot of goodwill with the city but could his time be running out?

Last season and now a quarter of the way through this season have been disappointing for Sullivan. Also, remember that General Manager Kyle Dubas did not have a say in hiring Sullivan. This could lead to Dubas wanting his own guy. Couple that with the struggles of the team and Sullivan's seat begins to get real hot.

The Penguins might end up waiting until after the season to replace a coach as tenured as Sullivan. However, if Dubas has a guy without a job currently or in the Penguins organization that he already believes in the Penguins could make a move sooner rather than later.

As Read On - Sportsnet - NHL Power Rankings: What's the vibe at the quarter mark for all 32 teams?