Penguins Play In Front Of Empty Seats at PPG Paints Arena

Walking into PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday night, it was hard not to notice the swath of empty seats, especially in the lower bowl. Sure, there were die-hard fans scattered throughout, but the usual energy seemed muted.

However, before we jump to conclusions, let's take a step back. Despite the team's current standings, Penguins attendance numbers remain solid, as reported by various sources. The faithful fans are still showing up, albeit perhaps not in the droves we're accustomed to seeing during peak playoff contention periods.

What's with the Empty Seats?

With FSG at the helm, the question of winning looms: It's no secret they're in it to win it, but how soon can we expect a turnaround, regardless of the route taken?

There's a temptation to hold onto hope for another season, especially with Sidney Crosby's contract up in the air. Yet looming decisions, like whether to re-sign or deal Jake Guentzel before the trade deadline, add to the uncertainty.