The NHL’s 2022-23 regular season hasn’t officially wrapped up, but there are no more playoff spots up for grabs after Wednesday night. The New York Islanders got the last postseason ticket with a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. They have also eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins from playoff contention, ending their impressive streak of 16 consecutive postseason trips. 

The Penguins will finish 5th in the Metropolitan Division behind the Islanders regardless of the outcome of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. 2022-23 will be the first season since 2005-06 that Pittsburgh isn’t in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It was a wild week for both the Islanders and the Penguins, with each team being in the driver’s seat for the last wild-card spot at one point. The New York team lost to Washington Capitals on Monday, which meant that Pittsburgh could get into the playoffs if they won out. However, the Penguins shockingly lost to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, giving the Islanders another chance to get the job done.

The Penguins’ 16-year playoff streak was the longest active across NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA. Its 16 consecutive playoff appearances were also the most ever by a franchise in all of the history of American major sports. During that time, Pittsburgh reached the Stanley Cup Finals four times and won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t dwelling on a disappointing end of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw them getting eliminated by the NY Rangers despite a 3-1 lead at one point. Instead, the organization is already getting ready for another run next season.

One of the biggest offseason tasks that Pittsburgh’s front office is facing is the status of franchise legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The veteran All-Star duo is entering the free agency for the first time in their career, and retaining them will be a challenge, especially from a financial standpoint.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Penguins’ general manager Ron Hextall admitted the franchise might have a hard time re-signing Malkin and Letang. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t make an attempt.

“In a perfect world, [Malkin] retires a Penguin,” Hextall explained. “And I think Tanger’s [Letang’s nickname] the same.”

Malkin, who will turn 36 in July, struggled with injuries in 2021-22 but still managed to contribute with 42 points (20 goals and 22 assists) in 41 games. However, it is hard to see Pittsburgh giving him anywhere close to the $9.5 million he earned last season.

On the other hand, Letang delivered a career year despite turning 35 in April. The defenseman had 68 points, his most as a pro while remaining reliable and playing 78 games. He looks more likely to stay from the duo, especially since he recently said that playing in Pittsburgh in 2022-23 remains his priority.

“They’re both great athletes,” Hextall added. “They both have been here a long time. They’re both performing at a high level right now. We’d certainly like to have them in the mix come September.”

The post Penguins GM Says Team Wants to Keep Legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins will be without captain Sidney Crosby during their opening game of the 2021-22 NHL season against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Crosby revealed this news in an episode of Monday Night Football.

While the 34-year-old star made the trip to Tampa Bay with his team and participated in practices, he is still recovering from a wrist surgery that he had in early September. His left wrist’s post-surgery recovery is expected to take six weeks.

Crosby’s leadership is not the only thing that will be lacking as the Penguins open the new season against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. Center Evgeni Malkin has been ruled out of the clash as he recovers from an offseason knee injury, while forwards Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese will be unavailable after both players tested positive for COVID-19 during training camp.

The Penguins’ injured players proved to form a crucial part of the team’s offensive efforts last season, with Crosby leading the Penguins’ scoring with 62 points, followed by Guentzel with 57 points.

While the Lightning may be the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Penguins have also proven to be highly successful in recent seasons, winning both the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup championships.

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Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray is close to returning to the ice after being out with a lower-body injury for almost a month. Penguins confirmed on Wednesday that they have activated the 24-year-old from injured reserve list and that he started practicing with the rest of the team.

In order to make room for Murray on the roster, the organization has sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Penguins have activated goaltender Matt Murray from injured reserve.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been re-assigned to the @WBSPenguins.

Details: https://t.co/HhDIy5Gm1v pic.twitter.com/MZiO33rlmW

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 12, 2018

Although Matt Murray is back on the roster, this doesn’t mean he will immediately see action in the next game.

“He is (healthy enough to go) but he’s only had one practice,” – Penguins’ coach Mike Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday. “So we’re trying to get him — we don’t have a lot of practice time. We thought we’d get him a good solid workout again today and then gauge him over the next couple of games here.”

Murray played 11 games with Pittsburgh in the 2018-19 season and was 4-5-1 while posting a struggling 4.08 goals-against average and .877 save percentage.

 Pittsburgh Penguins took Matt Murray in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, but he only got a chance to play three years later, making several appearances in the regular 2015-16 season. He remained the starter ever since and helped the Penguins to win two Stanley Cup trophies.

Murray’s NHL career stats include 72-33-9 record, 2.71 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

The post Penguins Activate Goalie Matt Murray from Injured Reserve appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins saw their dreams about third consecutive Stanley Cup being ended on Monday by the Washington Capitals, who comfortably ended the round 2 series in six games. Following the defeat, Penguins’ front office started thinking about possible changes.

Team’s general manager Jim Rutherford recently spoke with the reporters and acknowledged that the team will make some roster changes. The nucleus of the team that won Stanley Cups in the previous two seasons will likely to remain intact.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m going to keep an open mind to making some changes, and I will make some changes,” – said Rutherford on Thursday. “I can’t give you a definite answer on who that’s going to be right now and exactly which positions, but we’re a good team. We will be a good team going forward.“

“I think it is fair to say this will be a different-looking team by the time we open next season. It doesn’t mean there’s going to be drastic changes and a lot of changes, but there will be changes in the areas that will become necessary.” – he explained.

Pittsburgh Penguins finished the 2017-18 regular season with 47-29-6 record, trailing two games in the win column behind the Capitals in Metropolitan Division. They faced the Philadelphia Flyers in round 1 and ended up winning in six games. Still, the Capitals proved to be a tough challenge and Penguins just couldn’t find their composure, blowing a third-period lead in regulation in two games.

In 2017, Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in almost 20 years to win two consecutive Stanley Cups. They were aiming to become the first team to do a three-peat since New York Islanders in 1982.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins to Make Some Changes Following Playoff Exit According to GM Jim Rutherford appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins are obviously pleased with the way Swedish winger Patric Hornqvist is performing this season. The team announced on Tuesday that they have signed the 31-year-old to a five-year, $26.5 million extension.

When you score goals like this…

You get a contract extension like this: https://t.co/U9D7xWX2sD

Congratulations to Patric Hornqvist on a five-year contract extension with an AAV of $5.3 million. pic.twitter.com/7KllC801xH

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 27, 2018

The extension Penguins gave to Hornqvist isn’t much of a surprise. Since arriving at the team in 2014, winger managed to score more than 20 goals in each of the three years he played for the Penguins.

“We are thrilled for Patric,” – said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. “He has been such a big part of this team and what they’ve been able to accomplish. He’s a positive guy. He brings a dimension to our dressing room that’s unique. There’s no one more deserving.“

Patric Hornqvist played an important role in Penguins’ back to back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017. In the 2017 Stanley Cup finals against his former team Nashville Predators, Hornqvist scored the winning goal in the sixth game and secured the trophy for the Penguins.

“This is the city I want to be in and I’m really happy to stay here five more years,” – said Hornqvist about the extension. “We always have a chance to win and we have a great core group in here, so that was obviously the key situation for me, too.“

“I think we have something great here,” – he added. “Just have to go out here and prove it.“

Patric Hornqvist was picked last in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville Predators. He remained to play in his native Sweden until 2008–09 when he came to the U.S. in order to try and make Predators’ roster. After a tough rookie season in NHL, he broke into the team in his next one, managing to score 30 goals. Although he established himself as a valuable part of the Predators’ team, he was traded to the Penguins in a deal that sent forward James Neal in the opposite direction. Since then, Hornqvist has been playing consistently good, averaging more than 48 points per season.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins Give Patric Hornqvist 5-Year, $26.5 million Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The NHL’s 2022-23 regular season hasn’t officially wrapped up, but there are no more playoff spots up for grabs after Wednesday night. The New York Islanders got the last postseason ticket with a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. They have also eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins from playoff contention, ending their impressive streak of 16 consecutive postseason trips. 

The Penguins will finish 5th in the Metropolitan Division behind the Islanders regardless of the outcome of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. 2022-23 will be the first season since 2005-06 that Pittsburgh isn’t in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It was a wild week for both the Islanders and the Penguins, with each team being in the driver’s seat for the last wild-card spot at one point. The New York team lost to Washington Capitals on Monday, which meant that Pittsburgh could get into the playoffs if they won out. However, the Penguins shockingly lost to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, giving the Islanders another chance to get the job done.

The Penguins’ 16-year playoff streak was the longest active across NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA. Its 16 consecutive playoff appearances were also the most ever by a franchise in all of the history of American major sports. During that time, Pittsburgh reached the Stanley Cup Finals four times and won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins Miss Out on Postseason After 16 Consecutive Playoff Trips appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t dwelling on a disappointing end of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw them getting eliminated by the NY Rangers despite a 3-1 lead at one point. Instead, the organization is already getting ready for another run next season.

One of the biggest offseason tasks that Pittsburgh’s front office is facing is the status of franchise legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The veteran All-Star duo is entering the free agency for the first time in their career, and retaining them will be a challenge, especially from a financial standpoint.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Penguins’ general manager Ron Hextall admitted the franchise might have a hard time re-signing Malkin and Letang. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t make an attempt.

“In a perfect world, [Malkin] retires a Penguin,” Hextall explained. “And I think Tanger’s [Letang’s nickname] the same.”

Malkin, who will turn 36 in July, struggled with injuries in 2021-22 but still managed to contribute with 42 points (20 goals and 22 assists) in 41 games. However, it is hard to see Pittsburgh giving him anywhere close to the $9.5 million he earned last season.

On the other hand, Letang delivered a career year despite turning 35 in April. The defenseman had 68 points, his most as a pro while remaining reliable and playing 78 games. He looks more likely to stay from the duo, especially since he recently said that playing in Pittsburgh in 2022-23 remains his priority.

“They’re both great athletes,” Hextall added. “They both have been here a long time. They’re both performing at a high level right now. We’d certainly like to have them in the mix come September.”

The post Penguins GM Says Team Wants to Keep Legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins will be without captain Sidney Crosby during their opening game of the 2021-22 NHL season against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Crosby revealed this news in an episode of Monday Night Football.

While the 34-year-old star made the trip to Tampa Bay with his team and participated in practices, he is still recovering from a wrist surgery that he had in early September. His left wrist’s post-surgery recovery is expected to take six weeks.

Crosby’s leadership is not the only thing that will be lacking as the Penguins open the new season against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. Center Evgeni Malkin has been ruled out of the clash as he recovers from an offseason knee injury, while forwards Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese will be unavailable after both players tested positive for COVID-19 during training camp.

The Penguins’ injured players proved to form a crucial part of the team’s offensive efforts last season, with Crosby leading the Penguins’ scoring with 62 points, followed by Guentzel with 57 points.

While the Lightning may be the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Penguins have also proven to be highly successful in recent seasons, winning both the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup championships.

The post Penguins Suffer Setback Following Captain’s Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray is close to returning to the ice after being out with a lower-body injury for almost a month. Penguins confirmed on Wednesday that they have activated the 24-year-old from injured reserve list and that he started practicing with the rest of the team.

In order to make room for Murray on the roster, the organization has sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Penguins have activated goaltender Matt Murray from injured reserve.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been re-assigned to the @WBSPenguins.

Details: https://t.co/HhDIy5Gm1v pic.twitter.com/MZiO33rlmW

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 12, 2018

Although Matt Murray is back on the roster, this doesn’t mean he will immediately see action in the next game.

“He is (healthy enough to go) but he’s only had one practice,” – Penguins’ coach Mike Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday. “So we’re trying to get him — we don’t have a lot of practice time. We thought we’d get him a good solid workout again today and then gauge him over the next couple of games here.”

Murray played 11 games with Pittsburgh in the 2018-19 season and was 4-5-1 while posting a struggling 4.08 goals-against average and .877 save percentage.

 Pittsburgh Penguins took Matt Murray in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, but he only got a chance to play three years later, making several appearances in the regular 2015-16 season. He remained the starter ever since and helped the Penguins to win two Stanley Cup trophies.

Murray’s NHL career stats include 72-33-9 record, 2.71 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

The post Penguins Activate Goalie Matt Murray from Injured Reserve appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins saw their dreams about third consecutive Stanley Cup being ended on Monday by the Washington Capitals, who comfortably ended the round 2 series in six games. Following the defeat, Penguins’ front office started thinking about possible changes.

Team’s general manager Jim Rutherford recently spoke with the reporters and acknowledged that the team will make some roster changes. The nucleus of the team that won Stanley Cups in the previous two seasons will likely to remain intact.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m going to keep an open mind to making some changes, and I will make some changes,” – said Rutherford on Thursday. “I can’t give you a definite answer on who that’s going to be right now and exactly which positions, but we’re a good team. We will be a good team going forward.“

“I think it is fair to say this will be a different-looking team by the time we open next season. It doesn’t mean there’s going to be drastic changes and a lot of changes, but there will be changes in the areas that will become necessary.” – he explained.

Pittsburgh Penguins finished the 2017-18 regular season with 47-29-6 record, trailing two games in the win column behind the Capitals in Metropolitan Division. They faced the Philadelphia Flyers in round 1 and ended up winning in six games. Still, the Capitals proved to be a tough challenge and Penguins just couldn’t find their composure, blowing a third-period lead in regulation in two games.

In 2017, Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in almost 20 years to win two consecutive Stanley Cups. They were aiming to become the first team to do a three-peat since New York Islanders in 1982.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins to Make Some Changes Following Playoff Exit According to GM Jim Rutherford appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins are obviously pleased with the way Swedish winger Patric Hornqvist is performing this season. The team announced on Tuesday that they have signed the 31-year-old to a five-year, $26.5 million extension.

When you score goals like this…

You get a contract extension like this: https://t.co/U9D7xWX2sD

Congratulations to Patric Hornqvist on a five-year contract extension with an AAV of $5.3 million. pic.twitter.com/7KllC801xH

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 27, 2018

The extension Penguins gave to Hornqvist isn’t much of a surprise. Since arriving at the team in 2014, winger managed to score more than 20 goals in each of the three years he played for the Penguins.

“We are thrilled for Patric,” – said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. “He has been such a big part of this team and what they’ve been able to accomplish. He’s a positive guy. He brings a dimension to our dressing room that’s unique. There’s no one more deserving.“

Patric Hornqvist played an important role in Penguins’ back to back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017. In the 2017 Stanley Cup finals against his former team Nashville Predators, Hornqvist scored the winning goal in the sixth game and secured the trophy for the Penguins.

“This is the city I want to be in and I’m really happy to stay here five more years,” – said Hornqvist about the extension. “We always have a chance to win and we have a great core group in here, so that was obviously the key situation for me, too.“

“I think we have something great here,” – he added. “Just have to go out here and prove it.“

Patric Hornqvist was picked last in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville Predators. He remained to play in his native Sweden until 2008–09 when he came to the U.S. in order to try and make Predators’ roster. After a tough rookie season in NHL, he broke into the team in his next one, managing to score 30 goals. Although he established himself as a valuable part of the Predators’ team, he was traded to the Penguins in a deal that sent forward James Neal in the opposite direction. Since then, Hornqvist has been playing consistently good, averaging more than 48 points per season.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins Give Patric Hornqvist 5-Year, $26.5 million Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.