Penguins shocking weakness could cost them the playoffs again

Physicality, a crucial yet often underrated aspect of hockey, can significantly impact momentum, whether through fights, hits, or net-front presence. As the Penguins aim to address these deficiencies, let's delve into their depth chart and recent moves to enhance their physical play.

To address their physicality woes, the Penguins made a notable acquisition at the trade deadline, bringing in Michael Bunting. Standing at 6'0" and 192 lbs, Bunting may not be the biggest player on the ice, but his strong net presence and gritty 200-foot game have made him a valuable addition. Bunting's ability to create scoring opportunities and his willingness to engage physically are key traits that Pittsburgh hopes will bolster their bottom six.

However, the Penguins have struggled to find a true enforcer since Ryan Reaves. Brandon Tanev, who previously provided both physicality and offensive production, is no longer with the team. Bunting's addition is a step towards addressing this gap, but more is needed.

The Penguins also acquired Kevin Hayes this offseason, a move aimed at improving both physicality and depth. At 6'5" and 216 lbs, Hayes brings significant size to the lineup. Unfortunately, his offensive production has declined, with just 29 points last season compared to his career average of 41. Hayes' expected goals against was 6.8 percent higher than his expected goals for, indicating a drop in both offensive and defensive performance.

Jesse Puljujarvi, another addition, has shown some physicality with 40 hits in 22 games, but his offensive output has been minimal, with only four points. While Puljujarvi's expected goals for was slightly better than his expected goals against, his overall contribution remains underwhelming.

Ryan Graves, the Penguins' largest player at 6'5" and 220 lbs, has demonstrated physicality with 72 hits and 142 blocked shots. Despite this, his offensive output was the lowest of his career, with just 14 points, and his puck handling was inconsistent, resulting in 40 giveaways. Graves' performance has disappointed fans, and he needs to improve on both ends of the ice.

The Penguins' physicality is under scrutiny, especially given their rank of 25th in the league for hits per game at 18.1 and major penalties at 56 from 2017-2022. In contrast, their Metropolitan Division rivals boast strong physical players. For instance, William Cuylle of the New York Rangers recorded 247 hits, ranking seventh in the league. Brenden Dillon of the New Jersey Devils, a newly acquired defenceman, also brings physicality with 242 hits, placing him tenth in the league.

Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, known for his enforcer role and offensive contributions, averages 30 points per season while delivering ferocious hits. To compete effectively in the upcoming season, the Penguins must enhance their physical play intelligently, ensuring it complements their offensive strategies without leading to unnecessary penalties.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' challenge lies in balancing physicality with effective play. As they aim to rebound and make the playoffs, finding the right mix of grit and skill will be essential to their success.

Source: Last word on sports
Pittsburgh Penguins Lack Of Physicality Remains Costly For Depth Chart