Pittsburgh Review

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, key EDGE stats for each team are identified to preview the 2024-25 season. Today, the focus is on three advanced metrics for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

1. Forward Sidney Crosby was tied for seventh in the NHL in high-danger goals (23) last season and was in the 97th percentile in high-danger shots on goal (90).

Crosby, who ranks second among active NHL players in career points per game (1.25), behind Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers (1.52), and has won the Stanley Cup three times with the Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017), remains at the top of his individual game. Crosby also ranked among the NHL leaders in total skating distance (267.22 miles; 94th percentile).

However, Pittsburgh has missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time during Crosby's tenure, and as a potential unrestricted free agent after this season, it could be a critical year for his supporting cast.

2. Defenseman Erik Karlsson ranked seventh among NHL defensemen in 20-plus mile per hour speed bursts (116) last season, while Crosby was among League leaders in this category (181; 93rd percentile).

Karlsson experienced a significant drop in points last season (56) after being traded to Pittsburgh compared to his Norris Trophy-winning season with the San Jose Sharks in 2022-23 (101). Nonetheless, he remained an EDGE stats standout with his new team. He ranked among League bests in top shot speed (101.54 mph; 98th percentile), total skating distance (278.94 miles; 97th percentile), and top skating speed (23.20 mph; 90th percentile).

Karlsson finished with more points than teammate Kris Letang (51), both playing all 82 games. However, Karlsson has a higher ceiling in long-range goals considering he finished fourth in long-range shots on goal (116). He led the NHL in long-range goals (10) during the 2022-23 season. Letang tied for ninth among all players with six long-range goals last season and had 90 long-range shots on goal.

3. Forward Michael Bunting ranked among League leaders in offensive zone time percentage at all strengths last season (47.8 percent; 97th percentile).

Bunting excelled for the Penguins after being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7, scoring 19 points (six goals, thirteen assists) over twenty-one games while playing a top-six role. Bunting may continue to play alongside Crosby or another high-scoring center like Evgeni Malkin this season since Pittsburgh did not make significant offseason additions to its forward group.

Bunting's combined usage rate last season indicated he adjusted well after leaving Toronto Maple Leafs where he frequently played alongside elite goal scorer Auston Matthews. Bunting thrived around the net with seventy high-danger shots on goal and fourteen high-danger goals last season.

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