DUBAS WORKS THE PHONES AS PENGUINS SEEK REDEMPTION

The Penguins find themselves in an odd spot entering tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. Coming off an ugly 7-1 loss to Dallas on Monday and currently sitting next-to-last in the Metro Division at 6-9-2, the team’s identity is being called into question, especially after GM and Team President Kyle Dubas traded veteran Lars Eller back to Washington yesterday afternoon.

Coming back to Pittsburgh is a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh rounder. Eller had four goals and three assists in 17 games with the Penguins this season, and while a move like this could foreshadow a team’s future plans, Dubas told reporters yesterday that they had been trying to deal the 35-year-old since the spring, and Washington finally met the price.

Meanwhile, Coach Mike Sullivan gathered the team at center ice following a half-hour practice yesterday to regroup after Monday’s loss, which featured sloppy defense and a weak Power Play.

Sullivan said those two factors separate winning clubs from losing ones.

Sullivan also commented on carrying three goaltenders on the team instead of shaking up other positions, saying they have a plan in place to get Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist ample playing time.

Evgeni Malkin also spoke with reporters yesterday and delivered a heartfelt apology to fans for the team’s recent performance. He adds the Penguins need to simplify their game.