The Pittsburgh Penguins (23-28-9) have had a rough couple of games since returning from the 4 Nations Face-off, but none as painful to watch as their Tuesday night 6-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Surprisingly, it was a close game until the dying minutes of the second period, when the team imploded in another epic collapse like their recent contest against the Washington Capitals. They gave up two goals within ten seconds to a Flyers team that wouldn’t be denied with 38 shots on goal.
Although the season is far from over, the writing on the way is becoming clearer with each defeat. The Penguins are now nine points out of a wildcard spot and only two points clear of last place in the Eastern Conference.
Let’s discuss a few talking points from their latest setback.
The Penguins are one of three teams in the NHL to surrender more than 200 goals, with 220, joining the San Jose Sharks (221) and Chicago Blackhawks (203). This has been their downfall all season and one reason why the club is now 4-12-4 against Metro Division opponents.
Despite keeping Tuesday night’s contest close at 2-1, Alex Nedeljkovic struggled with a few pucks getting past him in critical moments when his team needed a save. Once things happened, those goals led to a change in dynamics, and everyone played differently.
Frustrations boiled over, and the Penguins just looked like a broken team. Unfortunately, it’s been a narrative that we’ve seen play out repeatedly, but the minor changes they have made haven’t led to results on the ice, and goaltending is one of the weakest parts of the team. The answers are no longer Nedeljkovic or Joel Blomqvist but in a different sweater under someone else’s payroll.
Since returning from their break, Pittsburgh has been winless. Back-breaking goals in bunches have kept Pittsburgh winless. Whether it’s missed assignments or a player’s inability to read the play, the goalies can only shoulder so much blame before someone needs to search deeper for the answers.
Realistically, the Penguins and Flyers are on the same level: fringe playoff teams who must fight every night for a point and a place in the wildcard race. However, just watching Tuesday night’s game, no one would assume that.
The Flyers wanted the game, and it showed. They fired 38 shots on goal and had an advantage every period: 15-6, 14-10, and 9-8. Philadelphia had a comfortable lead, and when things got close, they busted the game wide open in the third and ended up with five goals on 29 shots, leaving Nedeljkovic with a .827 SV% through 40 minutes.
Evgeni Malkin was one of four players who did not register a shot on goal in Philadelphia. Considering he had a goal and assist against the Rangers on Sunday, the future Hall of Famer was almost invisible in a must-win situation.
Meanwhile, Rickard Rakell, arguably one of the hottest Pittsburgh players before the 4 Nations Face-off, recorded a single assist and was minus-7 in his first three games back. His usual linemate, Sidney Crosby, has a goal and assist and is minus-6.
Finally, the team’s highest-paid player, Erik Karlsson, has two assists, five shots on goal, and is a team-leading minus-8 in three games.
Erik Karlsson on tonight’s loss:
“We’ve just got to look one day at a time. … We know the position that we’re in, and if you start thinking about big picture, it might get a little bit discouraging—and you can’t let that happen. We’ve still got a lot of hockey left.” pic.twitter.com/rNL1yzpeVB
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 26, 2025
Given the Penguins’ current position in the standings, these players, who all possess elite-level skills, must bring their A-game every night to salvage the season and their reputations.
Yes, it isn’t easy to see results when Pittsburgh has only scored seven goals and given up 19 in the last nine periods, but they have elite talent who just isn’t getting the job done. Whether playing offense or defense, it takes a team to win and lose, but superstars are the difference makers. The Penguins haven’t seen their difference makers make a difference in three games.
