NHL Season Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins


Last Seasons standings: record- 22-46-14 for 56 points. The Penguins finished dead last in both the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.

In: Mark Eaton D (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Jarkko Ruutu F (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Colby Armstrong F; Andrew Penner G (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Marc-Andre Fluery G; Nils Ekman F (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Patrick Ehelechner G (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Mark Reechi F (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Ronald Petrovicky F (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); Brooks Orpik D; Matt Carkner D (prev. team: San Jose Sharks); Evgeni Malkin F; Dominic Moore (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Out: Eric Bouguniecki F (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Sebastien Caron G (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); David Koci D (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); Matt Hussey F (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Matt Murley F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Libor Pivko F (via trade w Nashville Predators); Brendan Buckley D (new team: LA Kings)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Pittsburgh Penguins had a busy off-season, inking their number 1 'keeper Marc-Andre Fluery to a new multi-year deal. They also signed veteran Reechi to help mentor the younger players on this youthful squad. I really like the mix of players the Penguis will be skating out this season, including the scary duo of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Veteran John Leclair will be looking to bounce back from a horrible season, when every time he was on the ice the puck seemed to wind up in the wrong goal. Jarkko Ruutu should provide some much needed protection for Crosby and to an extent Malkin if he can stay away from the brainless penalty. Their defensemen are young and will provide some nervous moments for this team. Look for the Penguins to improve on last years record with a more mature Crosby and Malkin providing a dangerous one-two punch.

Season Prediction: The Penguins will finish the year in 4th place in the Atlantic Division; 13th place in the Eastern Conference.