The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-22-8) continue to waste opportunities to win games and move into the wild-card race, this time lose 5-1 at 28th, Anaheim Ducks, Thursday night.
Pittsburgh’s latest loss dropped them to 2-2-0 on a crucial seven-game road trip. They hit the ice again Saturday to play the Seattle Kraken, who doubled up on the Penguins ten days ago at PPG Paints Arena.
Before we think ahead, we need to look at their latest loss at the Honda Center.
Unfortunately, the Penguins encountered a hot goaltender
John Gibson has been on the trade bait board for most of the decade, but continues to lead the crease in Anaheim, recently notching his 200th NHL victory.
On Thursday, the 31-year-old played like he was 21, scoring the Penguins again in every round, finishing the night with 31 saves.
Buoyed by strong goaltending play, Anaheim played with confidence at the other end, scoring five goals for the sixth time this year.
Ultimately it was a poor mix for the visitors, who couldn’t get on the scoreboard apart from a Powerplay goal from Michael Bunting.
Penguins can’t keep the puck out of their net
Thursday’s game marked the 13th time the Penguins have given up at least five goals in a contest. Statistically, that number represents 26% of their season and is one of the main reasons they continue to tie the NHL in goals.
Since January 1, Pittsburgh is now 3-5-3 with a goal differential of MINUS-11, giving up 40 and scoring 29. Additionally, over the last 11 games, their goaltenders have given up at least four goals seven times .
Despite a red-hot power play and a mid-pack offensive attack, the Penguins continue to lose points and ground in the standings for their inability to stop teams and hold them to three goals or less.
This road trip could end the Penguins’ season
In their previous meeting, the Penguins barely escaped the Ducks, beating them in overtime 2-1. On Thursday, they were hampered by the scoreboard.
Next up is Seattle Kraken, who just beat them 4-2 less than two weeks ago. Most fans would think this trip gets easier with a visit to the 32nd-ranked San Jose Sharks on Monday.
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However, in their previous meeting, the Penguins needed a shootout to defeat the worst team in the NHL. Finally, the trip ends in Salt Lake City, where they look to avenge a 6-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club in November.
Ultimately, the Penguins continue to play well one night, then put up a stinker in the next game. This trend needs to end in Anaheim, or it will be a long flight home.
They are now just three points out of the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and just seven out of last place in the Eastern Conference.
The teams around them continue to win, and the second wildcard point distance is now at five points, equal to three wins, something Pittsburgh seems to have failed to achieve.
