There are always ups and downs in professional sports. One season, a team could be in the championship, and the next season their fans can be hoping and praying that they can at least secure the first overall pick. Sometimes, the slump starts midseason. In the case of the Pittsburgh Penguins, they are in a losing slump right now.
The Penguins are currently on a four-game losing streak. On Jan. 27, a matchup against the Seattle Kraken was supposed to be a relatively easy win. However, with help from former Penguins’ center Jared McCann, the Penguins lost 2-1 in overtime. This was the start of the losing streak as they lost at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals.
Image Courtesy of Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire
These losses can be chalked up to a few things, one of which could be the injuries. Teddy Blueger, Danton Heinen and Jason Zucker are all still injured. Two capable goal scorers and one incredibly defensive center can be blamed entirely as there were flashes of Tristan Jarry regressing. There were a few moments in which he seemed to be rattled after a goal or two. This is a stark contrast to how he’s been pretty rock-solid all season so far.
The only silver lining is that three of the four losses were in overtime or a shootout, meaning Pittsburgh still acquired three points. However, that’s not going to fly. The Penguins need to acquire as many wins as they can because the playoff race in their division is close. They need to shape up their game, and soon because this is no time to start slacking.
The main key for the entire team is to relax. Although they need to get as many wins as possible, they cannot be worrying about every facet of their play. The team has shown time and time again how capable they are. They need to keep their heads in the game because if they start showing pessimistic attitudes, they’ll stay in this slump and never come out.
Image Courtesy of Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
The absolute main key is for Jarry to come back stronger than ever. He’s been playing astoundingly this entire year so far. He absolutely should not let these last few games define him. He’s been putting up Vezina caliber numbers so far, and he needs to keep it up. If he continues to get rattled after a goal or two, then he’s in for a rough rest of the season.
The Penguins need to get out of this slump, and they need to get out of it now. If the players let it get to their heads, then they’ll never come out of it. They need to keep their confidence; after all, they did go on multiple winning streaks this year. If they do let it get to their heads and they continue to perform as they have, then they can kiss their playoff chances goodbye. Only time will tell.
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