I do disagree, slightly and respectfully, with your thoughts on the effect the injuries to Crosby and Letang have had. Even though the Pens initially responded well in the wake of the injuries, I think we’re seeing the cumulative, long-term effect of playing so long without two of their top playmakers. That’s an awful lot of skill to take from a lineup for a prolonged period of time. Everyone else has to work that much harder to compensate, and I think it’s worn them down physically and mentally.

Another factor that’s rarely discussed is the toll Dan Bylsma’s “system” exacts from the team. It has to be incredibly demanding for the players to go out and push their adrenal glands to the limit every single game.

Frankly, it’s a misnomer to say the Penguins play a “puck-possession” style. Really, how often do we see the Pens actually possess the puck? Most of the time they dump the puck in, then skate like crazy to try and retrieve it. If their smallish forwards are fortunate enough to win the puck back from a (usually) bigger, stronger defenseman, then they’ve got to try and make a play. If they lose the battle, they’ve got to bust their hump to get back into defensive position. It must be a grueling style to play, especially over the long haul.

IMHO, I think the Pens should consider a more structured and less chaotic system like a modified left-wing lock—at least until Sid and Tanger return. It might help force the opposition into turnovers instead of the other way around, while saving some wear and tear.