In what hopefully was going to be a much different and better season for the Pittsburgh Penguins looks like the same old Penguins of the last two years. After 11 games this season, the Penguins are last in the Metropolitan Division with seven points. They also possess a 3-7-1 record.
It is still very early in the season as it is standings after 82 games that matters. However, the same issues from the last two seasons remain evident. Maybe the Penguins coach will take the fall.
First Line Struggling The first line is supposed to generate the most offence as it is your top line. The Penguins have never had this issue as long as Sidney Crosby has been healthy and playing. However, Crosby has been pointless the last two games and still searching for his first even strength goal.
However, Crosby finally snapped out of that streak logging three assists in the loss against the Minnesota Wild. Alongside Crosby, veteran forward Bryan Rust is also struggling this season. He is also searching for his first even strength goal this season.
It is unknown why they are struggling as they get the shots and opportunities and their expected goals are high especially Rust’s, but they just cannot put the puck in the back of the net. Maybe, the reason for said struggles, is due to the Penguins have failed to replace an elite goal scorer such as Jake Guentzel opposite of Crosby. So far this season, the Penguins have tried Anthony Beauvillier , Rickard Rakell , and Michael Bunting on the top line .
