Pens Stumble, Need Discipline for Playoffs

0:00On March 31st, the Pittsburgh Penguins are blowing past expectations this season, holding second place in the Metropolitan Division with a solid shot at the playoffs. But they've been tripping over their own feet lately, especially on penalty kills and with shaky goal tending. With just eight games left, they got a lock in that simple, disciplined style to stay in the hunt. Lately, the penguins have dropped winnable games due to sloppy play. They fell 6-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on March 24th and another 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier in March. Goulton R2's silas has been solid overall, but he's led in too many soft goals during these stretches, like five on 29 shots against Colorado. Defensive breakdowns are hitting hard at the worst time. They've surrendered 48 goals over their last 11 games, with net front coverage vanishing and their own zone turning into a free-for-all. The penalty kill unit is crumbling too, giving up goals on 7-15 chances recently, including

1:01three power play tallies and a 5-1 loss to Carolina. Key penalty killer Blake Lazade is out with an injury from March 14th against Utah and won't return before playoffs. Even without him, they're leaving lanes wide open and handing opponents too much time. Still, the pins shine in the neutral zone and forecheck, outplaying teens at even strength when they avoid penalties. They bounce back with an A3 thrashing of the New York Islanders on Monday, reclaiming second by one point. But the Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets are breathing down their necks for that second wildcard spot. Time to clean up the breakouts, tighten transitions, and get consistent playoffs wait for no one. Watch her update from NHL News Today, powered by AI.