It’s safe to say Saturday afternoon’s tilt against the league-best Avalanche represented a measuring stick of sorts for our Penguins. After all, the Avs had amassed 102 points going into the fray…a full 10 better than the black and gold.
If the 3-2 loss is an accurate reflection of our standing, we aren’t too far off the mark. Indeed, for 40 minutes at least, we skated stride for stride with the Avs if not a step ahead. However, as the old saying goes, the devil is in the details. At critical junctures, our structure and defensive-zone coverage broke down, much as it has throughout the second half of the season.