The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 14-year streak of making the NHL playoffs has come to an end, marking the longest postseason streak in the four major sports leagues. The Penguins’ elimination from the playoffs came after a 5-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the qualifying round of the playoffs.
The Penguins’ streak began in the 2006-2007 season and included three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. The team’s success during this time was largely due to the leadership of superstar players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who have been with the team for the entirety of the streak.
Despite their impressive run, the Penguins faced numerous challenges this season that ultimately led to their elimination. The team struggled with injuries throughout the year, including a season-ending injury to star defenseman Kris Letang. Additionally, the team’s goaltending was inconsistent, with both Matt Murray and Tristan Jarry struggling at times.
The NHL’s playoff format was also a factor in the Penguins’ elimination. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league expanded the playoffs to include 24 teams instead of the usual 16. This meant that even teams with losing records had a chance to make the playoffs, and the Penguins were matched up against a Canadiens team that finished the regular season with a losing record.
While the end of the Penguins’ streak is certainly disappointing for fans, it also marks a new chapter for the team. With several key players approaching the end of their careers, including Crosby and Malkin, the team will need to focus on rebuilding and developing young talent in order to remain competitive in the future.
Despite their elimination from the playoffs, the Penguins can still take pride in their impressive postseason streak. Few teams in any sport have been able to maintain such consistent success over such a long period of time, and the Penguins’ legacy as one of hockey’s great dynasties is secure.
