Pittsburgh Review

After a recent 3-2 overtime loss to Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the need for his team to compete harder and pay more attention to detail. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas elaborated on these issues during the latest GM Show.

Dubas highlighted defensive lapses as a concern, stating, "We need to close those out and end them and help our goaltenders out." He noted that after the first period against Tampa Bay, "the shots were something like, 25 to 10," which he described as not a recipe for success.

Tristan Jarry's performance was also discussed. The goaltender recently completed a conditioning stint in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. Dubas acknowledged Jarry's efforts but stated, "It's not just going to happen overnight."

The Penguins recently traded Lars Eller to Washington for future draft picks. Dubas explained this move aligns with Pittsburgh’s long-term strategy: “We appreciate everything Lars did here, but we just think it's in the best interest of our team.”

Dubas addressed the team's strategic direction by saying some people prefer binary terms like "contending" or "rebuilding." Reflecting on his time with Toronto Maple Leafs management, he expressed caution about drastic changes: “I'm a firm believer that if you throw everything overboard...you could go a long time before you're back to being competitive.”

Currently holding significant draft capital through upcoming years, Dubas said they plan to use it strategically: “Previously, I don't think that's been the position here.”

The Penguins have faced challenges recently with a record of 1-2-2 in their last five games. However, they are entering a stretch where most games will be at home. Dubas is optimistic about addressing current issues: “Can we rectify a lot of the issues that have cropped up in our game over the year?”

He concluded by emphasizing growth and development among younger players and leveraging practice time at home: “Do we have what it takes to push through, compete, grow, develop? That, to me, is what I'm watching for.”