Penguins Approach Critical Week Ahead

This past weekend was disappointing for the Penguins. They lost both games against Minnesota and Winnipeg, and both by one goal. They have lost 7 of their last 10 games played. They are 9 points behind Philadelphia for the third position and 7 points behind Detroit in the Wildcard race.

The Penguins have one thing going for them, games in hand. But for those to matter they are going to need to win those games. What can be difficult is that many of these games are back-to-back.

The Penguins Have Important Back-To-Back Games Against Florida and in Chicago This Week

The Penguins enter a stretch with 5 of the next 6 games at home, starting with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night. The Panthers are 14-3-2 in their last 19 games and have proven to be very difficult to score against. Their offensive this year (since January) is averaging 3.69 goals per game. Right after this game they head to Chicago to play the Blackhawks Thursday night. The Pens have already lost to Chicago once this season, blowing a two-goal lead in the home opener. Losing both games would be pretty devastating.


In fact, losing to teams like Chicago last year is what knocked them out of the playoffs. They cannot afford to lose to teams that are not playoff contenders. Chicago has won 5 of their last 26 games.

Pittsburgh Hopes to Win Against the Kings in an Exciting Night and Ceremony for Former Penguin Jaromir Jagr

After that quick trip, the Penguins will return home to face the Kings and retire Jaromir Jagr's jersey into the rafters with Lemieux and Michel Briere. The Kings have been struggling as of late, so this will hopefully be a good opening for the Penguins to display their talent on a very special night.

Dubas' Decision Could Be Much Easier If the Penguins Do Not Win This Week

The Penguins need 4 points out of these 3 games. Anything less, and I think Dubas' decisions moving forward will be a little easier. Their current issue is a lack of offense. Losing two games by 1 goal when they had the opportunity to win is just back breaking. They are going to need to production from the other lines to contend, so this week that needs to start happening.

If we do not see that change, after this coming week of games we could see the Penguins in a rebuild and sell position sooner than expected.

As Read On: PensBurgh - The week ahead: Penguins season reaching make-or-break point