Following the controversy surrounding the dismissal of Kyle Dubas, President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, by the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer, many anticipated a noteworthy matchup between his past and present teams last Saturday in Toronto.
Contrary to expectations, the Maple Leafs dominated the game, defeating Dubas’ Penguins with a commanding 7-0 score. Max Domi showcased a goal and two assists, Martin Jones secured a shutout, and Toronto fans mockingly chanted “Dubas, Dubas” at the former GM.
In the latest episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE on Monday,Tyler Yaremchuk and Tyler Yaremchuk delved into the challenges the Penguins are facing and speculated on their future if improvements are not made soon.
Tyler Yaremchuk expressed concern about the Penguins’ playoff prospects after their lopsided loss to the Maple Leafs. Despite maintaining a 13-13-3 record in the first 29 games, hovering around the .500 mark in today’s NHL, their current standing raises questions. Despite the team’s overall health, Sidney Crosby’s impressive goal-scoring pace, and Tristan Jarry’s solid performance, there’s uncertainty about whether these factors can be sustained. If key players start to decline, the outlook for Pittsburgh becomes increasingly bleak, prompting crucial discussions about their future.
Frank Seravalli grappled with identifying the best-case scenario for the Penguins. While acknowledging potential improvements in their power play and point accumulation, he highlighted the team’s struggles despite the presence of star players like Crosby, Jarry, and a healthy Evgeni Malkin. Despite the efforts of these players, the Penguins are on pace for 82 points, a considerable distance from a playoff spot. The trade that saw Dubas relinquish their 2024 first-round pick for Erik Karlsson, who is projected to score significantly fewer points this season compared to the previous one, adds to the team’s challenges. Tough questions loom for the Penguins—where are they headed, Tyler Yaremchukwhat is the best-case scenario, and can they mount a comeback in the Eastern Conference playoff race?
