Penguins Rebuild Rumors, and 7 NHL Teams That Defied Expectations
Welcome to the THW Pittsburgh Penguins Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Penguins writers.
Today we discuss the rumor of the Penguins’ need for the dreaded R-word, we look at seven NHL teams that defied expectations so far in 2023-24, and we look at memorable performances in Penguins history.
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Now on to the good stuff…
NHL Rumors, Senators, Penguins, Flames, Bruins
November 2, 2023 by Jim Parsons
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Michael Andlauer of the Ottawa Senators had a lot to say about why the NHL’s punishment to the Ottawa Senators was so stiff and he didn’t like at all how long it could to resolve the situation. Will Andlauer face any additional punishment for being so forthright? Meanwhile, are the Pittsburgh Penguins gearing up for a rebuild sooner than expected? The Boston Bruins like the idea of trading for a veteran defenseman, but aren’t willing to part with certain pieces. Finally, are the Boston Bruins eyeing players from the Calgary Flames?
TSN analyst Frankie Corrado believes that Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas didn’t make a wrong move in by stacking his new team to make one last push. But, based on some lackluster results, Corrado acknowledges that a rebuild for the Pittsburgh Penguins is inevitable, and the swift pace of their decline this season has caught many off guard.
7 NHL Teams That Defied Expectations in October
November 1, 2023 by Alex Chauvancy
October has come and gone, and there were some unexpected team performances over the first few weeks of the regular season. Which teams were a surprise and are trending up to begin November? And which are trending down after slow starts? Let’s take a look at seven teams that defied expectations.
More was expected from the Pittsburgh Penguins after president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas’ active offseason. Not only did he redo the team’s bottom-six, but he also acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks in a summer blockbuster trade.
At least so far, it hasn’t translated to results for the Penguins, as they ended October 3-6-0 and in last place in the Metropolitan Division. Tristan Jarry, who signed a five-year extension this summer worth $5.375 million annually, struggled in October, totaling an .893 SV%.
Today in Hockey History, Nov. 1
November 1, 2023 by Matthew Zator
Nov. 1 was a big date for one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Plus, there were numerous memories for hockey fans in Boston, Detroit, New York, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. So, let’s take our daily trip back in time to relive all the best moments from this date.
For the Penguins, several players marked the day with a special performance, from Dean Prentice’s 300th goal, Mario Lemieux scoring as part of the historic streak to begin the 1992-93 season, and a record setting feat from a rookie Evgeni Malkin in 2006.