All the Penguins needed to do was win their remaining two games against the two worst teams in the NHL, statistically — but on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh failed to handle its business, and now the team’s chances of making the postseason have taken a huge hit.
After getting some much-needed help on Monday night, the Penguins were put back in the driver seat and in control of their own path to the postseason.
A win against the Blackhawks and a win against the Blue Jackets would be good enough to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the 17th straight season.