The players will tell you it’s early. The fans will say something is wrong with this team. The coach will look frustrated at his team’s defensive performance. Does any of it matter? I don’t think so.
It doesn’t mean I don’t care about this year or this team. It means that I think I’m happy with any of the possible end results of this season.
The Penguins might make the playoffs, and maybe win a round. I think that would be fun. Yet, I don’t think they are winning the Cup.
They might miss the playoffs, but they won’t be a lottery team. No one really wants to go through a year of being lottery bad. I’m also supremely confident in management’s ability to draft from any position. Also, if they’re bad, older players will be moved out, which is something I truly believe they need. Conversely, if they make the playoffs, it’ll only help provide more experience to the younger guys.
If the ultimate goal is out of reach, which it is, whatever way the season goes will be good for the Penguins.
It’s obvious that they are walking a tightrope because Sid is still Sid. It’s an impossible task that will lead to seasons like this one. As long as they are building up the prospect pool in the background, then it’s totally okay to go in that direction.
I’d love to see Sid and Geno go on one more playoff run, but I also don’t see this team doing that for them. If the team is bad, but Sid and Geno are good, then maybe it’s possible they get that last playoff run surrounded by the next wave of Penguins.
Honestly, I think that’s what a large majority of the fanbase would want to see. The two living legends leading the future generation deep into the playoffs.
Maybe it’ll happen, maybe it won’t, but whatever happens this year will benefit the Penguins in the long run.
