In this shortened season, the Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in the NHL to clinch their division, and only the second after the Chicago Blackhawks to clinch a playoff berth. Despite being ahead of their conference, the Penguins have since experienced a major setback that will challenge the team throughout the NHL Playoffs 2013.
Captain Sidney Crosby was on the fast track towards the Hart Trophy—as the MVP favorite currently leads the league in points with 56, five ahead of his closest competitor. Unfortunately, the top scorer has remained off the ice since he sustained a broken jaw in a match on March 30, with no definite return date scheduled as of early April. Two other Penguins—forward James Neal and defenseman and Paul Martin—are also out indefinitely due to injury. Penguins fans are sure to be biting their nails hoping the injured list gets shorter by the first round, but either way, this Pittsburgh team will be sure to put up a good fight.
Statistically, the Penguins roster has performed well across the board. Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis are ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, for total goals, and the duo are one and two in the league’s plus/minus rankings, with the injured Crosby coming in third. The Penguins also have a shining power play percentage, second in the league only to the Washington Capitals. This season, the Penguins have also proven their post-regulation prowess, as they’ve won each of the four matchups that have gone into either overtime or shootouts.
With a purchase of Penguins playoff tickets, you can help boost the morale of this top team as they compete for a coveted spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
