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Lack of Offense Catching Up to Penguins

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI
By Nick Horwat | Last updated Dec 9, 2023 7:00 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins saw their losing streak extend to four games after another one-goal performance against the Florida Panthers.

Not only did the Penguins find themselves in the loss column again, but it was their third straight contest with only a single goal on the board.

At the moment, Pens being held to 1 goal for the third straight game. Regardless of energy level, which has been good tonight, you don’t win many games scoring 1 goal.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) December 9, 2023

It’s not ground breaking to say you’re going to need more than just one goal to win games in the NHL, but this team needs to find a way to get back to the score sheet.

The struggles of the power play have been widely discussed, and for good reason since their scoreless streak reached 13 straight games.

Over that time, the lack of scoring on the power play has cost the Penguins multiple games with 36 opportunities coming and going.

What many may not have seen coming, however, is that the Penguins scoring at 5-on-5 has started to take a huge dip.

Penguins were good in Florida. Best they’ve played in two weeks. Still, a regulation loss.

Struggling to score at 5v5 and no PP goals in 13 games (!) — and three days before next game.

This feels like a teetering-point stretch.
— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) December 9, 2023

The duo of Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel have been the best scorers at even strength, but only accumulating a point at a time.

Outside of the first line, the Penguins lineup has struggled to score with almost not production coming from the bottom six forwards.

The lack of offense from the power play and anyone below the first line is starting to catch up with the Penguins and that is more evident than ever in their current losing streak.

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

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