CRANBERRY TWP., PA (93.7 The Fan) – There is part of this that is hard to even type because the odds are so great, but the Pens have won four in a row. The season isn't over, and you know where I'm going with this.
"You see stuff every year that is crazy," said 12-year veteran Kevin Hayes. "We are sticking together, putting our best foot forward."
It's kind of similar to last year when the Pens won two of its last three to end March and then won the first four of April, with points in the first six games in April. That group got back in it, only to eventually finish three points out of the postseason. But the 2023-24 team made it interesting down the stretch.
The 2024-25 Pens have won four straight against teams with either a shot to get in, or currently in, a playoff spot. There are 13 games left and the Pens are six points behind the final Wild Card spot. Next up, Tuesday hosting the Islanders, a win and they tie New York with 68 points. Then at Columbus as the Blue Jackets are four points ahead of them.
They are six points out, but the climb is still very steep. The Pens still have played more games than any other team in the Eastern Conference, meaning all others have games in hand. Six points may not sound like a lot, but there are five teams between the Pens and the Rangers, who currently in the final playoff spot. They would need those teams to struggle down the stretch as well.
It's still an incredible longshot. If nothing else it's made what has been mostly a dreadful season a little more bearable for fans and those competing on the ice.
"It's fun," said defenseman Erik Karlsson. "Obviously know the situation we are in, it's a dire situation. We still have 13 games to go and we are still enjoying playing hockey and having fun coming to the rink. As of right now, we are focusing on the next one."
"We wish we were in a better position," Hayes said. "It seems like this team every year is battling all the way to the end. I feel like we've had a couple of road trips that really haven't gone our way. We played pretty good hockey and really didn't come away with anything."
"We got good vibes right now. We know we still have a lot of work to do. Just trying to enjoy it, every moment, day-by day."
"There is a lot more work ahead of us," said Pens captain Sidney Crosby. "I think we've been doing a good job of just focusing on the one in front of us. Understanding we got to get points and take care of that. That's been our approach. That desperation and urgency has been a good thing for us."
Understandably there are fans who are ok with losses with every defeat helping the odds in the NHL Draft lottery. However, these guys are groomed to win and they're currently doing it.
Most likely, it's too little too late. What will really be worth watching is if this good play continues, how will that affect offseason plans?
