Are the Penguins a playoff team this year?

[Just Linda]

A bit of a reactionary post now that Malkin is out for a while. On one hand Crosby still looks amazing but on the other, they've lost their 2 and 3 centers to longer term injury already and have 'questionable' d outside of Letang.

I know people have been preaching their downfall for a few years now but is this finally the year that their window (at least temporarily) closes.

My vote is Yes to them being a playoff team.

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[bobholly39]

Option 1

They have yet to miss in the Crosby/Malkin era and it wont start this year.

Crosby and others will step up

 

[7even]

Yesterday I'd say wild card. But with Malkin down for a non-insignificant amount of time and Phil Kessel's 80+ points off the roster...yeesh.

I think they'll go as far as Murray can carry them.

 

[hockeyguru]

i don't think so. they barely made it last season and don't look very good this season

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Option 1.5

 

[Fugazy]

I have a feeling they'll sneak in.

 

[bobholly39]

The seasons Malkin missed the most games in are:

2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2010. Outside of the 2006-2007 season, aren't these literally all of Sidney Crosby's best seasons?

Crosby steps up again this year and they make the playoffs.

 

[stepdad gaary]

penguins dealing with injuries? how will they ever cope lol. Wishful thinking. Malkin is gonna be out a month.....not a huge deal

 

[ijuka]

I think they will make the playoffs as always. Might even contend.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I think the team will benefit from the division being deep, but not necessarily good. Everyone will kinda beat up on each other and allow the Pens to slip into the #3 spot or the top wildcard.

I am pretty nervous going forward without Malkin though.

 

[Tweed]

A bit of a reactionary post now that Malkin is out for a while. On one hand Crosby still looks amazing but on the other, they've lost their 2 and 3 centers to longer term injury already and have 'questionable' d outside of Letang.

I know people have been preaching their downfall for a few years now but is this finally the year that their window (at least temporarily) closes.

My vote is Yes to them being a playoff team.

I'm pretty sure Letang is part of the reason the D is "questionable". Dumoulin is the steady guy.

 

[b1e9a8r5s]

Think they are probably 3 or 4 in the division and make the playoffs.