PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have once again found themselves on the brink of playoff contention, reminiscent of last season’s dramatic late push. After defeating the New Jersey Devils 7-3 on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins are now four points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Still, by the end of the night, they could be facing a six-point deficit as fierce rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers, faced off later down the road.
Having embarked on this remarkable run after starting on a Sunday afternoon on March 9, 2025, against the Minnesota Wild, the Penguins have since won four consecutive games against formidable opponents. Coach Mike Sullivan remains optimistic, stating, "Anything can happen," evoking memories of last year when the team staged their own inspired comeback, nearly making the playoffs after being significantly behind.
Tristan Jarry has been the surprising backbone of this resurgence, showcasing impressive goaltending after earlier struggles and even being demoted to the American Hockey League this season. His recent performances have been nothing short of outstanding, and he played a pivotal role during this winning streak where the Penguins outscored their opponents 18-9.
While the spotlight shone brightly on Jarry, the Penguins’ offensive capabilities have also been on display. Remarkably, star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin managed just one point each against the Devils, pushing the Penguins’ depth to the forefront. Despite Crosby’s usual contributions, he still amassed seven points over his last four games.
Realistically, the Penguins need to maintain their winning momentum if they hope to clinch one of the last playoff spots. With only 13 games left this season, losing even just two could jeopardize their postseason aspirations. Their next challenge on the calendar is against the New York Islanders at home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
A close look at the standings reveals the innovative play of the Penguins, amplifying questions about the nature of the Eastern Conference's competitiveness this season. The Penguins’ surge has drawn parallels to their previous year, igniting discussions about whether the current team can replicate such success.
To some observers, it may feel irrational to discuss playoff prospects when considering the Penguins' standings. The Eastern Conference had showcased both hot and cold teams, with the glaring inconsistency of other teams potentially benefiting Pittsburgh’s playoff chase.
On the scoreboard, Connor Dewar emerged as one of the team’s bright spots, netting two goals on Saturday, adding to his momentum since joining the Penguins following his trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another new player, Conor Timmins, turned heads by collecting two assists and finishing the game with a plus-4 rating. Noted for his poise, fans are beginning to speculate if Timmins could solidify his space on the roster moving forward.
All the good news wasn't without controversy; the Penguins’ recent success might unintentionally affect their draft position, as winning decreases the likelihood of landing one of the top picks. General Manager Kyle Dubas has faced criticism for opting not to trade players who might sink the team, with many feeling he unfairly exiled Jarry back to the AHL after his earlier struggles.
Looking at individual performances, Sidney Crosby continues to accumulate points, now reaching 73 for the season. Remarkably, this season marks the 12th time he has crossed the 50 assists threshold—an impressive statistic when one considers the concussions and work stoppages throughout his career. With seven points needed to average at least one point per game across 20 seasons, he is set to break Wayne Gretzky’s record.
Meanwhile, Malkin demonstrated his improved skating during the match, sparking hope among fans as the Penguins fight against time to decide their postseason fates.
No ESPN or TNT analysts are gushing over the Penguins the way they used to, and the empty seats at the arena—over 3,000 during typically full crowds on St. Patrick's Day—painted the picture of the franchise's struggles this season. This change is tough for loyal fans showing up to support their team, as they have exhibited passionate support even when the team seems poised for disappointment.
And so the saga continues for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they chase the elusive goal of returning to playoff hockey. Each game is now monumental, each moment counts toward what could very well be the defining stretch of their season. Fans clamor for the excitement reminiscent of last spring, keeping their hopes alive as the clock ticks down.