Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Erik Karlsson and Goaltender Tristin Jarry attempt to block a shot and prevent a goal against the New Jersey Devils
Photo credit: The Hockey News

Penguins Playoff Chances Undergo Drastic Change

Published March 20, 2024 at 2:51 PM
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Rob A.
March 20, 2024  (2:51 PM)
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Penguins Playoff Chances Undergo Drastic Change as they lose to the New Jersey Devils last night 5-2 in a game that saw a lack of defense for the Penguins.

In a season that was back and forth for the Penguins, they always had hope of making the playoffs. Now for the first time this season, those hopes may soon be gone.

According to moneypuck.com the Penguins playoff chances have diminished after this lose to just 2.5%. At one point not too long ago right after the win against Detroit, it was reported that the Penguins had a 6.9% chance at the playoffs.. Their chances increased to 11.2% with some help from other teams.

But now, the Devils have a 9.5% chance of making the post-season, and with the Red Wings come from behind win against the Blue Jackets in OT last night, their odds increased to 24.7%.




Penguins Are Unable To Defend Hard Enough Leading To Loss In New Jersey



After the score was tied 1-1 the Penguins seemed to go downhill as Evgeni Malkin took a penalty. The Devils capitalized on a tired Penguins team and took the game over.

In a post-game interview, this is what Mike Sullivan had to say about his team playing tired and getting into penalty trouble.

"It started with our lack of puck management in the offensive zone. We make a hope play in the high ice instead of putting the puck back down below the goal line, and that feeds their transition game. Then we end up spending whatever it was, 25-30 seconds in our defensive zone defending, and then we get tired. When you get tired, that's when you make mistakes, and you tend to take penalties, and that was a result of that. So, it's a snowball effect."

With No Eastern Team Mathematically Eliminated Penguins Still Can Play To Win



As of now, there is no team in the Eastern Conference that is mathematically out of the playoffs. But the Penguins do come in with the worst odds. Even with the odds shrinking and the Penguins needing a lot of help from other teams, they will continue to play hard for a chance to make the playoffs.

As Read On: The Hockey News - Penguins Playoff Odds Hit New Low
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March 20   |   178 answers
Penguins Playoff Chances Undergo Drastic Change

With the Penguins playoff chances drastically changing, which team do you think will make the playoffs?

Penguins1910.7 %
Red Wings5530.9 %
Capitals5631.5 %
Devils4827 %
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