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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 15: Evgeni Malkin
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 15: Evgeni Malkin /

2. Injured forwards

The Penguins forwards are almost as banged up as their blueline is. Carl Hagelin suffered a lower body injury in the middle of March and was ruled out six weeks. Assuming the timetable is accurate, Hagelin could return for the second round of the playoffs.  Depth forwards Bryan Rush and Matt Cullen were both injured in the last week of the season and it is unclear when either player will return.

However, the most impactful injury to the Pittsburgh forwards was suffered by Evgeni Malkin. Malkin injured his shoulder injury on March 17. The Russian center is expected to return for the start of the playoffs, but Malkin may be rusty in his return to the ice. It will likely take some time for Malkin to adjust to the speed of playoff hockey. The loss of Malkin for any extended period of time will be costly for the Penguins.

Without Malkin, teams are able to put their number one defensive unit against the Crosby line. With Malkin in the lineup, teams are forced to play their second unit against the Crosby line more often. If Malkin is out for even two games in the first round against Columbus, they could find themselves in a hole that they can not get out of.

Winger Chris Kunitz suffered a lower-body injury on April 1. The team has not given a timetable for his return, but have said that Kunitz will be out long-term. It does not sound promising for Kunitz to return until at least May. Kunitz may not be the same goal scorer he was a few seasons ago, but it is still taking a forward out of the Penguins top nine.