The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a troubling trend that could jeopardize their season: a persistent inability to protect leads in the third period. This issue has manifested in multiple games recently, turning potential wins into disheartening losses and raising concerns about the team's mental fortitude and overall ability to close out games.
The Penguins' struggles were glaringly apparent in back-to-back games against the San Jose Sharks and the Utah Mammoth. Against the Sharks, Pittsburgh surrendered a 5-1 lead, ultimately losing 6-5 in overtime. The following day, they relinquished a 3-0 advantage to the Mammoth, who scored four third-period goals en route to a 5-4 overtime victory. These collapses are not isolated incidents; the Penguins have lost eight games this season after leading in the third period.
Coach Dan Muse acknowledged the recurring nature of the problem, stating he sounds like a "broken record" when addressing the issue after each game. He noted that the specifics of each collapse vary, but the end result remains the same. Muse pinpointed defensive breakdowns and an inability to limit opponents' scoring chances as contributing factors. He told reporters that their shooters were being given way too much time and space. The team's defensive effort seems to wane in the final period, with less aggressive puck pursuit and a lack of physicality.
The Penguins' inability to hold leads appears to be taking a mental toll on the players. Erik Karlsson admitted the team's fragility when protecting a lead and noted a lack of confidence. He emphasized the need to regain that confidence quickly to reverse the trend.
Several factors may be contributing to the Penguins' third-period woes. Goaltending has been inconsistent, with both Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov struggling at times to make crucial saves in the final frame. The team's defensive pairings, particularly late in games, have also come under scrutiny. Furthermore, an over-reliance on offensive strategies, even when protecting a lead, may be leaving the Penguins vulnerable defensively.
General Manager Kyle Dubas made a significant move to address the goaltending concerns, trading Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak. However, Skinner's debut against his former team was shaky, as he allowed five goals in a 6-4 loss. The Penguins will need Skinner to find his form quickly if they hope to solidify their goaltending and improve their ability to close out games.
To reverse their current trajectory, the Penguins need to address both the mental and tactical aspects of their third-period struggles. They must regain their confidence, tighten up defensively, and find a way to manage the game effectively when playing with a lead. Otherwise, their recurring third-period fragility could ultimately cost them a playoff spot.
