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The Pittsburgh Penguins are now 3-4-0 through the first seven games of the 2024-25 season after losing to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday by a 6-3 score. It’s their second defeat of the young season, where the victors scored six on their goaltenders.
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Even though the Colorado Avalanche play later on Sunday night, the Penguins are leading the NHL with the most goals against with 31, three ahead of the Avalanche (28) and five ahead of the Buffalo Sabres (26).
Surprisingly, the San Jose Sharks are not in the top three yet, despite losing to the Jets on Friday night, 8-3. Although they are still searching for their first win, they have given up just 22 goals in five games, a 4.40 GAA compared to the Penguins’ 4.42 GAA.
Under head coach Mike Sullivan, who is entering his 10th season behind the bench, the 2024-25 Penguins have surrendered the most goals against through seven games.
|
Year |
Goals Against |
Goals Against Average |
|---|---|---|
|
2024-25 |
31 |
4.42 |
|
2023-24 |
20 |
2.85 |
|
2022-23 |
21 |
3.00 |
|
2021-22 |
21 |
3.00 |
|
2020-21 |
26 |
3.71 |
|
2019-20 |
18 |
2.57 |
|
2018-19 |
25 |
3.57 |
|
2017-18 |
29 |
4.14 |
|
2016-17 |
21 |
3.00 |
|
2015-16* |
15 |
2.14 |
Interestingly, in 2015-16, when Pittsburgh had Mike Johnston as head coach and began the year exactly 3-4-0, they only surrendered 15 goals through the first seven contests.
As much as the focus has been on the Penguins’ goalies to make saves and steal games, something else is leading to many chances for opposing teams.
Something has to change, whether it’s the personnel on the ice or behind the bench. The current game plan isn’t working, and if this year’s club has playoff aspirations, then change is necessary.
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