Penguins surge up the Metro, Letang steps up, and the shootout problem gets real
The Penguins are suddenly playing their best hockey of the season and it has the boys asking the obvious question: how on earth are they in the mix for second place in the Metro right now
In this episode of 2 For Talking, hosts Cory Tucek, Josh Yohe of The Athletic, and comedian Joe Bartnick break down a wild week that included big wins, dramatic late goals from the legends, a few uncomfortable roster truths, and a shootout situation that is officially getting awkward.
Opening shift
The show opens with Cory setting the table. Penguins in the top three of the division. Trade rumours swirling. Road trip ahead. And of course, beating the Flyers, which is basically a spiritual holiday for Joe.
Joe recaps a statement week where the Penguins took six of eight points, highlighted by an emotional win over Tampa and a dominant win over Philly. Josh adds the key context. They did it without Erik Karlsson, and Crosby and Malkin scored two of the most dramatic goals of the season, both with the goalie pulled.
Josh describes a real defiance from Sid and Geno right now. The sense that they are dragging this thing toward the playoffs by sheer will.
The Letang stretch and the Karlsson factor
A major theme of the episode is Kris Letang’s best stretch of the season. Josh argues Letang’s last several games may have been his best hockey in years, including a standout overtime performance against Columbus.
The timing is impossible to ignore. Letang surged right as Karlsson went out. Joe wonders if it is responsibility, pride, or both. Josh leans toward both, and notes the concern that Letang is now listed day to day, with a tough western trip coming.
They also give credit to the supporting cast on the blue line, including a rare compliment moment from Joe for steady minutes from depth defenders.
Goaltending and the workmanlike win in Seattle
The crew praises the Seattle win as the kind of game the Penguins used to lose the past couple seasons. A road afternoon start after travel, a game that screams scheduled loss, and Pittsburgh still handled business.
Josh highlights key moments where Skinner made the saves he had to make, even if the box score does not scream dominance. Joe calls out how the team “slammed the door” in a spot where old habits used to show up.
The young players debate
They spend time on the constant fan push to call up every kid from Wilkes Barre at once.
Josh makes the case that if you are truly pushing for a playoff spot, you do not bench productive NHL players just to run auditions. The Penguins have a functional top twelve right now. Guys are exceeding expectations. Some are in their mid twenties, which means the team is getting younger in a more realistic way.
Joe sums it up bluntly. With about 35 games left, you owe it to Sid and Geno to try to win now, not to run a long term experiment.
New trade and depth move
The group discusses a depth trade for defenseman Ilya Solovyov from Colorado. Josh frames it as simple organizational depth, possibly accelerated by the health uncertainty with Karlsson and Letang. It is also a sign Dubas is operating like a guy who thinks his team might play meaningful games later.
Sponsors and the Danny’s pizza box moment
One of the funniest stretches of the episode is the sponsor segment, with a world premiere reveal of a new Danny’s Pizza and Hoagies pizza box featuring a cartoon Joe Bartnick. The guys roast the artwork in the best way, compare Joe to Freddie Mercury, and turn the sponsor read into a full comedy bit.
Joe also gives his “pro move” order. Italian special hoagie, full size, plus a square cut slice while you wait.
The shootout crisis
The Penguins shootout stats are grim, and the conversation turns serious.
Crosby is one for seven. Rust is one for five. The goaltending in the shootout has been rough too, with Nedeljkovic giving up goals at an alarming rate. Josh suggests it may be time to adjust the order and stop deferring to routine and superstition.
They bring up other options, including younger skill guys who look confident in shootout reps.
Big picture
The heart of the episode is this. The Metro is weak. The East is wide open. The Penguins are not a top tier Cup favourite, but a team with Crosby and Malkin playing with this edge is not a team anyone wants to see if they sneak in.
The crew previews the western Canada swing with Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, with a realistic target of winning two of three and keeping the momentum rolling.
