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Despite Skid, Penguins Are Top Team Analytically

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI
By Nick Horwat | Last updated Dec 11, 2023 11:30 AM ET

Despite looking like one of the worst teams in the NHL and struggling to find consistency in the win column, the Pittsburgh Penguins have seen an increase in their underlying numbers.

With a 11-12-3 record with a four-game losing streak, the Penguins still rank near the top of the NHL in multiple analytical categories.

According to JFreshHockey on Twitter, the Penguins hover around as one of the best teams for goaltending and are atop the list at 5-on-5 play.

After a slow start, Tristan Jarry has rebounded to put together a promising run between the pipes, but not a ton of help from his skaters.

Jarry currently holds an 8-10-2 record with a 2.48 goals against average and .918 save percentage.

Backup Alex Nedeljkoivc has also had a respectable start to his Penguins’ tenure with a 2-2-1 record, 2.18 goals against average, and .937 save percentage.

Team Goaltending - December 10 pic.twitter.com/5nVoMfQQS4
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 10, 2023

Through JFresh’s analysis, Penguins goaltending ranks third in the NHL for goals saved above expected with a +12.0.

Only the Boston Bruins (+14.8) and Vegas Golden Knights (+18.1) rank ahead of the Penguins.

While the Penguins’ power play continues to struggle, their even strength game has been top notch; it helps that Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel are still among the league leaders in 5-on-5 points.

JFresh labels the Penguins as the top team in the NHL in expected goals at 5-on-5 per 60 with a 2.98.

5v5 xGoals For per 60 - December 10 pic.twitter.com/sthLWTarTJ
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 10, 2023

Just barely ahead of the Edmonton Oilers who have been on a heater lately who hold a 2.94.

The Penguins can chalk up multiple losses to a brutal power play, but if that can wake up and find momentum, these analytical numbers give reason to believe they can jump right back as a top team.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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