Thoughts on team

Team: 2023-24 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 19, 2023

Published: Nov. 19, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think the team is definitely better than last year, but the east and the metro is also better. I think that could leave us with a similar record as last year even though we are a better team. The top 6 is insane, they single handedly win us games (along with top 4 D), but we don't have depth scoring or players in the bottom 6 that make impacts in other ways (although I've liked Eller's game so far). We will beat a bunch of bad teams, the stars will carry us. But when we play the top metro teams or fast teams we will struggle. I think we lack sandpaper in the lineup and it is frustrating because that has been a problem for years. I'm not saying that needs to be our identity or even close to it, but we need players that can change momentum, draw penalties, and protect our net/screen goalies. I also think we need to just 100% commit to team defense, we did for a stretch of games, but it seems like the structure we played with just wasn't there the last two. The power play is also a mess, which it can't be with how many stars it has. There's not nearly enough movement and creativity. Overall I think this is a fringe playoff team, but just not seeing it as a contender right now. That could change of course with a few trades plus coaching adjustments.

I'd make small trades like this and see what happens. Wouldn't give up a 1st or 2nd until this team shows improvement.

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