Each NHL team’s biggest burning question in 2018
By Simon Vacca
Pittsburgh Penguins: Are they still the team to beat?
In an interview following the Washington Capitals’ 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lars Eller spoke rather candidly about his impression of Mike Babcock’s men, remarking, infamously, that the Buds are “not that special” as of yet.
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Absent from the talk circuit of hockey news over the next few days was a degree of substantial reflection upon the underlying message of Eller’s interview — the 29-year-old center sought not to undermine the boys in blue and white, but alternatively aimed to redirect attention to what he had deemed Toronto’s true test in the Eastern Conference: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Indeed, Eller’s estimation is not only accurate in scope, but it is also telling of the widespread opinion that hovers over the NHL. In the eyes of many, the Penguins — still in a position to establish themselves as a dynasty of the modern era — continue to act as the most difficult test for teams looking to enter into the ranks of serious contention for the Stanley Cup.
Propelled by a roster of all-encompassing talent — a “one-two punch” at center in the form of the aforementioned Crosby and Evgeni Malkin — depth on the wings from the likes of Phil Kessel, Patric Hörnqvist, Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel; a potentially devastating back end that is quarterbacked by Kris Letang with a formidable support cast in Olli Määttä, Brian Dumoulin and Justin Schultz; and a head-turning goaltender in the form of Matt Murray, the organization is one of the few that manages to marry the intimidation factor with finesse on a nightly basis.
The only question, then, is centered on expectations: is it realistic to continue to regard the Penguins as the team to beat?
As Eller’s comments show, the opinion of players from around the league is one of respect for Mike Sullivan’s men — this, in spite of the array of doubts that have been raised by critics as per the club’s acquisition of high-risk, high-reward defenders like Jamie Oleksiak and Jack Johnson.
If the team is legitimate about rendering dreams of a third Stanley Cup in four years a reality — and in turn solidifying their reputation as a contemporary dynasty — expect nothing short of dominance throughout the 2018-19 campaign.