The Pittsburgh Penguins season is over. The New York Rangers have defeated them four games to one in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Personally I thought the team played really well given the circumstances. Every single game was a one goal game with two going to overtime (Penguins have lost 7 straight playoff overtime games).

For the Penguins the focus will now shift to the offseason where they will have to make some easy choices as well as some decisions that will take a little bit of research.

I know a lot of people thought last year was an interesting offseason with all the changes but I foresee actual change being made in the coming months for the Penguins.

Some, if not all of the dead weight will be shredded. Craig Adams has played his last game as a Pittsburgh Penguin. I also believe it is better than 50% that Rob Scuderi has also played his last game as a Penguin. A regular buyout being the most likely course of actions. That would break down as follows:



When you have young defensemen on entry level contracts the buyout cap hit is negligible and you no longer have a player on the roster taking time from other more deserving candidates.

Paul Martin has also more than likely played his last game in a Pittsburgh uniform. What a terrific Penguin. I love watching cerebral players and he was one of the better ones.

The Penguins losing is not a surprise result, It should have been expected. The more important stuff has yet to come. The window for success is still very much wide open but they cannot continue to move forward with as many generic players as they have.

I will certainly have many more ideas in the weeks and months to come on potential player candidates that would improve the roster as well as the means of acquisition. There will also be analysis on what other players the Penguins need to part with in order to become a more successful hockey team moving forward.

Thank you to the readership for your support during another Pittsburgh Penguins season. The blog continues to grow at a steady rate each month.

Thanks for reading!


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