Case in point: last night’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. The Penguins, comfortably ahead with a 2-0 lead, witnessed their advantage unravel in the final period. They conceded three consecutive goals, culminating in a disheartening 3-2 defeat.
This pattern of 3rd period collapses isn’t just a source of frustration for us die-hard fans; it’s painting a concerning trend that cannot be ignored any longer. In the past, the Penguins have been praised for their tenacity and ability to close games strong. However, this season tells a different story.
Statistical insights from the NHL reveal a troubling reality: the Penguins are now ranking distressingly low in 3rd-period defense, a stark deviation from their previous robust performances.