Fansided

NHL playoffs: 5 reasons the Penguins won’t repeat

By Adam Stocker

Mar 19, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) moves the puck against the Florida Panthers during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) moves the puck against the Florida Panthers during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 27: Former Coach Scotty Bowman addresses the crowd during the Detroit Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup celebration night before an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena on December 27, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 27: Former Coach Scotty Bowman addresses the crowd during the Detroit Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup celebration night before an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena on December 27, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /

4. History says it’s difficult to repeat

No NHL team has been able to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since 1998 when the Detroit Red Wings sweep the Washington Capitals to win their second consecutive championship. Since 1998, only the Red Wings and Penguins even returned to the Stanley Cup final in two consecutive seasons.

The NHL season is a grind. Going to back to back Stanley Cup finals requires teams to play over 200 games in a two-season period. The Penguins season ended last year in late June. The deep playoff run paid off in a Stanley Cup championship, but it cut into their off-season. Pittsburgh essentially only had 10 weeks off before training camp started. That is not a lot of time to rest, have injuries heal and put in the sweat equity in the gym getting stronger. Over time, it adds up and subtracts from the Penguins chances of repeating.

After a grinding 82 game regular season, the playoffs are a whole new beast. The style of play changes, the refs put away their whistles, the intensity, and speed both increases. After the demands of the previous season’s cup run, it may be difficult for Pittsburgh to match the required level of play.

All of these factors add up. Eventually one will catch up with the Penguins before they are able to win 16 games.