If you are looking for some good news regarding injuries and the Pittsburgh Penguins I have some and… it is actually good!

Brian Dumoulin (ankle surgery) and John Marino (surgery to repair facial bone fractures) have both graduated to full-contact jerseys at #Pens practice. Marino is still wearing the full face shield. -MC

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 27, 2020

The Penguins are currently in the midst of a four game losing streak. The results are a bit harsher than their on-ice play. They didn’t play bad against the Capitals and they didn’t play bad against the Kings. Bad losses happen. However, the team has not been playing well overall since both of those players have been out of the lineup. The larger trend was problematic



Certainly not the hallmark of a true contender if they had their full roster. They didn’t and I fully expect this trend to reverse itself and get way better. The ability for defenseman to positively influence forwards is what drives the Penguins success and it has been lacking. I found some more fun evidence of how the Penguins crushed two of their best players during this downward trend. Injuries are part of the game, but the team didn’t have to deploy Jack Johnson with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang

This year when Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang play together sans Jack Johnson has been something else. We are in need of a better word than elite because it is staggering how awesome they have been.



When Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Jack Johnson play together they are the complete opposite. They are worse than average. They are actually bad.



Either Mike Sullivan has committed serious coaching malpractice with his deployment or the front office has meddled in the on-ice decisions. Either one is bad and contributed to the team’s xGF% going in the tank.

Good news is that tonight might be the last game we deal with these horrible choices because Dumoulin and Marino seem on the cusp of returning. The Penguins are poised to go on a roll to close out the year and the healthy bodies will save the decision makers from themselves. The quality of play should increase and the entertainment value should follow. Blue skies ahead.

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 240 Comments » Post New Comment

» It's their fault

» Still alive, for now

» Going to need some help now

» Penguins giveth Penguins taketh away

» Now or never