Dubas looks to the past for inspiration when talking about what he sees as the Penguins future this season

Kyle Dubas, the Penguins players and fans did not like the outcome of the last two seasons of Pittsburgh hockey. Now, Dubas has talked to the media and set the expectations for the team, throwing it back to the fundamentals they have always looked to the past.

As reported by Penguins reporter Michelle Crechiolo, the three basic fundamentals for the Penguins are - competitive spirts, always playing their best no matter who is in or out of the lineup. Elite player development at all levels, including coaching. And keeping control of their emotions by responding the right way in a game no matter what.

There has been debate this off-season as to who the Penguins are as a team. And Dubas frankly stated that they need to represent the city that they play in and for.

The Penguins used this off-season to focus on a small rebuild, focusing on shorter term contracts with players who needed to prove something to themselves, or challenge themselves again. With the addition of some youth, like Rutger McGroarty, and veteran leaders like the captain Sidney Crosby signing his extension, the Penguins look to infuse both this year to have a different outcome than the last two seasons.

With Alex Nedeljkovic out on a week-to-week basis, the Penguins will rely on starter Tristian Jarry to help them between the pipes.

The Penguins do have what it will take to make the playoffs. They put on a good run at the end of last season after the Guentzel deal was out of the way, with Bunting fitting in nicely into his place either with Geno or Sid. It is just a matter of following their key fundamentals, and getting the job done.