Photo via Yahoo Sports

Sunday Standings: Penguins need to ‘dig in’ to get out of slump

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a critical stretch after a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a 6-2 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night. Coach Dan Muse and captain Sidney Crosby have emphasized collective accountability, stressing the need for immediate structural improvements across the team’s performance.

The Penguins’ recent struggles—marked by a 1-5-1 record over their last seven games—have pushed them toward the bottom of the standings, raising concerns about consistency as they enter a pivotal stretch of their schedule. Looking ahead, the team has a rare opportunity to reset, with five of their next six games scheduled at home, a format that has historically favored their success.

Meanwhile, instability elsewhere in the Metropolitan Division adds context: the New York Rangers’ goaltending concerns deepen after losing Igor Shesterkin, while Washington Capitals players continue to battle an illness outbreak that has sidelined key contributors like Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Islanders also face forward-line uncertainty following injuries to forwards Cal Ritchie and Matias Macelli, though their overall season remains steady compared to the Penguins’ current slump.

Up nextNHL· 3h ago

10 Takeaways From The First 10 Games Of The Canucks’ 2026–27 Season