From Jan. 1-Feb. 26, the Penguins allowed just nine power-play goals and produced a success rate of 86.6 percent on the penalty kill. Only the Maple Leafs (8) allowed fewer goals, while the Jets were the only NHL club with a better kill rate (86.7).
It’s been a decidedly different story since then. The penalty kill has struggled. And while there’s not one precise reason for the recent downturn, the Penguins need this unit to bounce back soon.
In 12 games since the NHL trade deadline, the Penguins are clicking at 65.7 percent (23 for 35). Entering play Saturday, that was third-worst in the league.