2018 Penguins need to kick things into gear

By: MF,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins play their first game of 2018 in Philadelphia against the Flyers.

With the first game of 2018 about to take place, the Penguins find themselves in a familiar, yet unfamiliar place. The Penguins know hardships and have come back to win it all, but after a dominating season last year it is odd for them to be in this position. They start 2018 near the bottom of the division and on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.

Halfway through this season, the Penguins are 19-18-3 with only 41 points and seventh in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers are right below them with 40 points. As for the wild card position, the Penguins are three points away from the New York Islanders who currently hold the spot.

This is the perfect time for the beginning of a comeback story. The Penguins have a chance to make a statement to not only themselves but the fans and the league. With a win, they can build on and take the momentum all the way to the playoffs.

Furthermore, the Penguins got some good news to start the new year. Justin Schultz and Kris Letang were taken off the injured reserve list and are game-time decisions. The Penguins have missed these two top defenders a lot in the past few games. They are both critical parts of special teams and overall gameplay.

On another note, the Penguins recalled forward Dominik Simon from Wilkes Barre/Scranton. Also, Casey DeSmith, Andrey Pedan, and Garett Wilson were re-assigned.

Both the Penguins and Flyers need these two points. It will be a hard-fought battle, but this is the time for the Penguins to get things back on track. Here is to a better half of Penguins’ hockey in 2018. 

Lets Go Pens!