Penguins' Playoff Surprise: End-of-Season Awards

0:00On April 16, Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off a wild turnaround this season, snagging a playoff spot when nobody saw it coming. They wrapped up the regular year strong and now faced the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round. To celebrate, let's hand out some end of season awards to this squad that's got everyone buzzing. Biggest surprise goes to Yegor Chinakoff, who came over in a mid-season trade from Columbus and lit it up. He went from three goals and 29 games there to 18 goals and 36 points and 43 with Pittsburgh proving he's the keeper. Then there's Anthony Mantha, dropping career highs of 33 goals and 64 points at age 31. Nobody called that. On the flip side, Ville Coivoun and disappointed Big Time, managing just two goals and 39 games while bouncing between the Big Club and the Miners. But Evgeny Malcolm showed that dog in him, bouncing back with 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games despite injuries and a suspension.

1:01Cindy Crosby takes MVP honors, no question. When he sat out, the team struggled at five wins, four losses and two ties. His vintage play will be key against the Flyers. This Penguins crew is playing with house money, flaws and all, chasing a deep run that could cap Crosby and Malcolm's legacies. Whatever happens, they've built real momentum heading into the playoffs. That's your NHL news today update. AI powered and always on.