We Now Know What the Penguins Need to do to Make the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Currently, the Pens are outside looking in on the playoffs. Although they have accumulated a good number of points over the last two months, their dismal start put them in a hole that they are still struggling to get out of.

As of now, they sit at 51 points after playing 41 games. That would put them on a pace for approximately 91 points. The way the current playoff format is, that is not good enough for a spot.

Based on their points percentage (which factors in games played), they are 4th in the Metropolitan division and 9th place overall in the Eastern Conference. Let's take a look at the math and see what they need to do and if it is possible to do it.




The closest team to them point percentage wise, would be the Philadelphia Flyers. They have played 4 more games than the Penguins, so although they are 5 points ahead, the Pens have those games in hand.

The Flyers have their own struggles with their roster, including their starting goaltender Carter Hart, who is not expected to be returning anytime soon dealing with some criminal charges in Canada. So, the slide down the rankings have started for them, losing their last 5 games. The Flyers are on pace still for about 91 points, but that is being generous.

Let's assume the Penguins will beat out the Flyers in point totals. And let's same that 92 points will get the Penguins in the playoffs. Based on the remaining games the Penguins have they would need 41 points, about a point percentage of .569, which is just barely better than their current .554.

For reference, over the last 25 games, the Penguins are playing at a point percentage of .600. So, they should easily match their play and get the points needed to beat out the Flyers.

Based on the play of the teams ahead of the Flyers and Penguins, they don't appear to be going anywhere, anytime soon. So, the wild card looks to be the Penguins best option for a run.

Toronto is on a pace that may not be easy to catch, projecting a point total of 101. The Red Wings are on a pace for about 95-96 points. The Pens play the Wings two more times this year, and they are the more flawed of the two current wild card teams.

At this point, we all know what the Penguins need to get there. A better, consistent power play. Consistent play from the stars (mostly Malkin). Bottom six scoring. Getting some depth in the defense from a possible trade. Keeping Jake Guentzel for the rest of his contract. And, the continued solid play by the tandum of goaltenders, Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic.

But, if they play the way they have been, even over the last two months without any changes, the numbers are there for a playoff spot.

As Read On: Pensburgh An updated look at what the Penguins need to do to make the playoffs