Pittsburgh Penguins Look to Regain Form

The Pittsburgh Penguins look to regain form as they enter the 2023-24 season with the goal of going back to the playoffs.

2022-23

Record: 40-31-11 (91 pts) – 5th in Metropolitan

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

Key Losses

Mikael Granlund (F – SJ), Jan rutta (D – SJ), Jeff Petry (D – MON), Casey DeSmith (G – VAN), Jason Zucker (F – ARI), Brian Dumoulin (D – SEA), Josh Archibald (F – TB), Ron Hextall (General Manager, Brian Burke (President of Hockey Ops)

Key Additions

Reilly Smith (F), Ryan Graves (D), Lars Eller (F), Noel Acciari (F), Matt Nieto (F), Kyle Dubas (President of Hockey Ops and General Manager), Erik Karlsson (D), Rem Pitlick (F)

2023-24 Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a mixed season in 2022-23. They finished with a record of 40-31-11, earning a total of 91 points. This placed them in 5th position in the Metropolitan Division. Unfortunately, the Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs that year.

Who steps up in net for the Penguins?

Ultimately, to get to the promised land of the Stanley Cup Finals, you need solid goaltending throughout the playoffs.

The goaltending situation in Pittsburgh for the upcoming 2023-24 season will be an area of intrigue and importance. After the departure of Casey DeSmith to the Montreal Canadiens, the Penguins will rely on a new tandem to protect their net.

Leading the way is Tristan Jarry, who had a solid season last year. Jarry played in 54 games, recording a 29-18-6 record, a 2.63 GAA, and a .917 save percentage. He demonstrated his ability to be a reliable starter and made some noteworthy saves throughout the season. However, consistency will be key for Jarry as he aims to solidify his position as the team’s primary goaltender.

In the backup role, the Penguins brought in free agent signing Alex Nedeljkovic. Nedeljkovic is a young, seasoned goaltender with experience playing for the Detroit Red Wings. He is known for his competitiveness and ability to make timely saves. While he may not see as much playing time as Jarry, having a capable backup like Nedeljkovic is crucial to provide rest and support when needed.

Overall, the goaltending situation in Pittsburgh appears promising. With Jarry as the starter and Nedeljkovic as the backup, the Penguins have a duo that can potentially provide stability and confidence in the crease. The team will rely on their performances to help them compete and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.

How will Erik Karlsson fare in the black and yellow?

Erik Karlsson, the talented defenseman, is set to embark on his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After joining the team as a key addition in the offseason, there is much anticipation surrounding how Karlsson will perform in the black and yellow.

Known for his smooth skating, offensive prowess, and exceptional puck-moving abilities, Karlsson has proven to be a valuable asset throughout his career. With two Norris Trophies to his name, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Penguins’ blue line.

In Pittsburgh, Karlsson will have the opportunity to contribute to an already formidable defensive corps alongside the likes of Kris Letang. His ability to generate offense from the back end and his hockey IQ should complement the team’s offensive firepower, led by superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

However, like any player, Karlsson may face challenges as he adjusts to a new system and teammates. It will be interesting to see how he integrates into the Penguins’ style of play and how quickly he can establish chemistry with his new teammates.

Penguins fans are filled with anticipation and excitement as they eagerly await Karlsson’s debut in the black and yellow. If he can stay healthy and showcase his elite skills, there is no doubt that he has the potential to make a significant impact and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI

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