There was an awkward aura in the air during Fan Appreciation Night’s postgame ceremonies. While selected fans gathered on the ice for the annual jersey giveaway from each player on the roster, a feeling of uncertainty clouded the arena.
At least it was better than last year.
Do we all remember the second hand embarrassment we felt? With two games to go and a home finale against the NHL-worst Chicago Blackhawks, all the Penguins had to do was win that game, and then go to Columbus to beat the Blue Jackets (the second worst team in the league at the time), and a playoff spot was theirs.
The finish line was firmly in their grasp. Despite the team probably being far deserving of a playoff spot, a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals for the 17th straight season was two short wins away.
The Penguins lost that game 5-2. And as the Penguins players still handed out their jerseys to fans, everyone involved that night knew that the nightmare they had watched on the ice was going to spell the end of the greatest active streak in North American sports.
Sure enough, it did. The Penguins missed the playoffs by one point last season, and are in danger of having history repeat itself.
If that is the case, at least the Penguins got to end their home finale on a high note. Pittsburgh won an electric 4-2 bout over the Nashville Predators. The Penguins needed to earn at least one point to stave off elimination from postseason contention, but in reality, it was win or bust for Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, as the final seconds and closing ceremonies were taking place in PPG Paints Arena, disasters were striking out of town.
Every single team the Penguins needed to lose tonight won, putting some serious obstacles in their fleeting playoff hopes.
A current look at the standings with one game to go:
The New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Detroit Red Wings all found ways to win last night, which was the worst-case scenario for the Penguins. Now, the team will need some serious help to play more hockey in late April.
With these wins, the Islanders have officially locked up third place in the Metropolitan Division. Now, there are three teams fighting for one final spot, and the Penguins are playing at a disadvantage. Here’s a breakdown:
It’s important to note that the Penguins’ playoff push could be over before the team plays their final game of the season on Wednesday in Long Island.
Both Washington and Detroit play on Tuesday night, and if either one of them wins, it’s all over for the Penguins.
Washington plays the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night, and if the Capitals win that game in any fashion, they will claim the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Washington holds the tie breaker (regulation wins) over Detroit, so if the Capitals win against Philly, it’s over for the Red Wings as well.
Even if Philly wins though, it’s still not over for Pittsburgh. If the Red Wings win in any fashion, they will take the spot and officially clinch.
Detroit will face off against the Montreal Canadiens, who they just beat in overtime on Monday night.
So, Tuesday is Judgement Day for the Penguins. If, and that’s a big if, the Penguins survive, they still have to beat the Islanders on the road to take the final spot for themselves.
However, I suppose this situation is better than losing at home and already knowing it’s officially over. The players, and the fans, got to leave the arena one last time with a positive outlook and a prayer in hand.
Fate will determine what the future of the Penguins is. As for why they find themselves in this situation, that’s a conversation for a later day.
(Featured photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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