The Pittsburgh Penguins hardly resemble the team that blew a 3-1 series lead against the New York Rangers in the 2014 playoffs. Despite having an offensive juggernaut for a team, the scoring dried up against the Rangers. The disappointing result left a sour taste in the mouths of the Penguin faithful, and most knew changes were coming.
And come they did. Both head coach Dan Bylsma and general manager Ray Shero were handed their walking papers. They were replaced with new head coach Mike Johnston and new GM Jim Rutherford. James Neal was jettisoned to the Nashville Predators for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling. Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen were allowed to depart the Steel City via costless agency. They both found a home with the Penguins' rivals, the Washington Capitals. Versatile forward Jussi Jokinen left the Penguins and signed with the Florida Panthers. Other foot soldiers such as Joe Vitale, Tanner Glass, and Chris Conner were cut loose. They were replaced with names such as Blake Comeau, Steve Downie, and Thomas Greiss. They signed defenseman Christian Ehrhoff during the offseason to help offset the loss of Niskanen and Orpik.
This is not the same team that rolled over the rest of the Metropolitan Division last season. In some ways, they may be even better.
The Penguins' biggest concern during the last couple seasons was the lack of pushback by their third and fourth lines. Since the departure of Matt Cooke a few seasons ago, there was very little intensity on display. Additions like Downie and Comeau add some much needed grit to those lines. While Neal was a prolific scorer when the stars aligned and his mood was good, his lazy defensive play and penchant for taking bad penalties at the worst times made him expendable. Hornqvist has averaged 20 goals a season playing with an offensively challenged Nashville squad, and has shown defensive acumen. Penguin fans are anxiously waiting to see what he can accomplish playing alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
Goaltender Jeff Zatkoff will most likely start the season in the minors. Zatkoff was thrust into the backup role last year after incumbent backup Tomas Vokoun was sidelined with a blood clot. Newcomer Thomas Greiss appears to have the backup position sewn up. Greiss has NHL experience, and should provide a steadier hand than Zatkoff, who often looked overwhelmed in his brief NHL appearances.
Crosby took a pounding in last season's playoffs, and the lack of response by the Penguins spoke volumes in its silence. This season, Downie offers a little more of a deterrent. He has a reputation of being a loose cannon, and has expressed his desire to ensure the Pens' opponents stay honest. If Downie stays true to his word, Crosby can expect to enjoy some open ice.
It will be an interesting season for the Penguins and their fans. The on-ice changes have the potential to be explosive in a positive manner. If the roster plays up to its potential, the fans can expect another division title...and perhaps more.