2014-2015 Overall Record: 43-27-12 (98 Points) 8th in the Eastern Conference

***Lost in GM 5 of the Easter Conference Quarterfinal Against the New York Rangers***

Pittsburgh Penguins: 2014-2015 Team Leaders

Notable Offseason Losses:

G Thomas Greiss (New Team: New York Islanders)

F Blake Comeau (New Team: Colorado Avalanche)

D Talor Chorney (New Team: Washington Capitals)

F Jayson Megna (New Team: New York Rangers)

D Paul Martin (New Team: San Jose Sharks)

F Steve Downie (New Team: Arizona Coyotes)

F Daniel Winnik (New Team: Toronto Maple Leafs)

D Christian Erhoff (New Team: Los Angeles Kings)

F Brandon Sutter (New Team: Vancouver Canucks)

Notable Offseason Acquisitions:

F Phil Kessel (Former Team: Toronto Maple Leafs)

F Eric Fehr (Former Team: Washington Capitals)

F Matt Cullen (Former Team: Nashville Predators)

F Nick Bonino (Former Team: Vancouver Canucks)

D Adam Clendening (Former Team: Vancouver Canucks)

Main Team Stats Breakdown:

GFA (Goals For Average): 2.60 (NHL Ranking: 19th)

GAA (Goals Against Average): 2.45 (NHL Ranking: 11th)

SV% (Save Percentage): .915 (NHL Ranking: 9th)

While the addition of Phil Kessel will more than help the Pittsburgh Penguins move up their goals for average next season, it’s doubtful that it will do enough to push them back into serious contention. Others may contend that my assessment is wrong, however I am a firm believer in proof of play. Calgary is a prime example of a team that came out last season, continually proving doubters wrong time and time again, amidst many obstacles. The Pittsburgh Penguins on the other hand continue to impress upon onlookers, a sense of not having the specific particular tools needed to be at the upper echelon of the league.

Questions continue to remain about Marc-Andre Fleury. Last season’s Playoff run was a plus for him, as he posted a 2.12 goals against average and a .927 save percentage. It would seem however, that when Fleury looks to be on his game, the offensive production cannot support his efforts. Crosby once again led the team in the Playoffs with scoring (4 points), but the rest of the team failed to truly add any further support against the New York Rangers.

Inconsistency isn’t necessarily the issue, but if one looks back to last season; the Penguins continued to battle back and forth for that final Playoff spot, barely getting it done (though they obviously did). One cannot assert that adding one big name (Kessel) will fully revamp this team. As I’ve stated, the NHL is a team oriented sport that relies on all for production. While I don’t believe the Penguins are at all a bad team, I do believe they’re still one on the decline.

2015-2016 Season Projection: 5th in the Metropolitan Division

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