Penguins Stars Not Shining Brightly During This Stretch Of Games

Unlikely last year, where the Penguins controlled their destiny to make the playoffs up until the last game, this year with 17 games left, the Penguins team and core and in unfamiliar territory.

The Penguins are all but out of the playoffs after a one point showing against the Ottawa Senators with a 2-1 loss in OT.

Penguins Star Core Players Have Not Produced To Help the Team Win

As the Penguins hopes of the playoffs have all but disappeared completely, so have the star players. Over the last 8 games, the point totals for the core and Karlsson have been dismal.

The Penguins have scored 11 goals in their past eight games.

In those games:

• Sidney Crosby, 0-2-2, minus-12

• Evgeni Malkin, 2-2-4, minus-5

• Erik Karlsson, 0-1-1, minus-4

• Kris Letang, 1-0-1, minus-10— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) March 13, 2024

Sidney Crosby Playing Himself Out of MVP Contention

Not too long ago we were talking about Crosby looking at an MVP trophy, that talk has all but gone away with a minus 12 in these last 8 games. He is at risk of falling below his point per game career average for the first time ever in a season.

The Penguins are 1-6-1 over these games, with that one win being credited to Malkin. He showed up against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 5th in the 5-3 victory with a goal and an assist.

Letang and Karlsson Both Ineffective In Production Or Defense

Defensemen expectations are not necessarily in the offensive numbers, but both Karlsson and Letang are known for their offense. Letang specific seems to have given up at times, with turnovers and lack of urgency leading to eventual game winning goals for the opposition.

Kris Letang with possibly the worst 10 seconds you could possibly have as a hockey player

Truly impressive pic.twitter.com/aLR8lRf3S2— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) March 13, 2024

The Penguins just do not have depth to help carry the team with the core are not providing offense. When these players are at their worst, so is the team.

As Read On: The Hockey News - Penguins Stars Have Disappeared

Previously on Penguins Latest

Penguins Trade Deadline Moves Rumored To Set Up Huge Summer Of Transactions

Another Forward Was Nearly Traded at the Deadline According to Reports

Sidney Crosby Addresses Media About Recent Poor Play

POLL
March 13   |   171 answers Penguins Stars Not Shining Brightly During This Stretch Of Games Do you think the Penguins core players are phoning in the remainder of the season?
Yes	121	70.8 %
No	50	29.2 %
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