The Penguins are fighting for their playoff lives. Although it looks like they are back on track after a miserable stretch of five losses in six games, they still have work to do. They currently sit in fifth place in the Metro Division and occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
It seems to be pretty clear they probably can’t climb higher than seventh place, which would put them in the first wild card spot. At least that would get them out of a first-round series with the Boston Bruins, who appear to be a juggernaut. It got a little dicey while they were losing games, but my guess is they will begin to put some distance between them and the teams chasing them for the final playoff spot — Buffalo, Florida and Ottawa — will likely be held at arm’s length down the stretch.
That is the most likely scenario for the Penguins barring a total collapse or some unforeseen rash of injuries. That’s especially true with respect to Tristan Jarry, who is the one player they have proven they just aren’t capable of consistently winning without. They need him and they need him to continue to play well. As long as he is healthy, the Penguins should win enough to comfortably make the playoffs.
