Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

NHL fans danced on the Penguins’ grave after they missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 years

Dan Penguins NHL Pittsburgh (Organization) Sidney Crosby the Pittsburgh Penguins

For most of Sidney Crosby’s legendary career, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been a fixture in the NHL postseason picture. Largely every year, Crosby’s Penguins have made the second season in the spring their second home. They have three Stanley Cups since 2009 to show for it.

But none of that past success means anything tangible right now when all Pittsburgh can do is sabotage itself.

After the New York Islanders dispatched the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday night, New York’s officially eliminated Pittsburgh from this year’s playoff field. This development means we’ll see a rarity this April/May/June: a postseason without the Penguins for the first time since the 2006 season.

Whoa. That almost feels surreal to actually type into coherent words. Let me try this again: A team with Crosby and Evgeni Malkin won’t even have a shot at the Cup. Huh. Nope, still feels weird!

Given all the teams this iteration of the Penguins has humbled and stepped on over the years, NHL fans celebrated Pittsburgh’s unprecedented early demise.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
I tried the viral microwave makeup sponge cleaning hack and won't be doing it again – here's what works better instead
The method was inefficient, potentially dangerous, and my sponge looked the same as before
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Rufus Wainwright: ‘I had a great party trick, but it once blew up in my face’
The singer-songwriter on his most memorable fan, his love of Chappell Roan, and his close friend and nemesis Jake Shears
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Will there be an Arcane season 3? Here's what the creators have said about what's coming next
A look ahead to League of Legends' on-screen future
Total Film
Total Film
I Tried Lab-Grown Salmon. Here's What It Tasted Like.
Cultivated meat is getting better and better. That's why states keep trying to ban it.
Reason
Reason
Beatles songs "imprinted" on Paul Reiser
On "Everything Fab Four," he discusses his new comedy special, working with Michael McDonald and visiting Liverpool
Salon
Salon
Best tinted serums to get your skin glowing
The ultra-lightweight base product packed with skin-loving ingredients
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play