Penguins Fans Are Fed Up With Shootouts - But Here’s the Real Story
SEATTLE - Penguins fans are frustrated. Seven shootout losses will do that to a fanbase. But when the frustration spills over into open-season critiques of Sidney Crosby and wild ideas like pulling the goalie in overtime, it’s time to pump the brakes and take a closer look at what’s really going on.
Let’s start with Crosby. Yes, he’s 1-for-7 in shootouts this season.
And no, his shootout numbers haven’t been stellar in recent years. But we’re talking about one of the greatest players in NHL history.
Tossing insults his way because he hasn’t buried a few post-overtime chances? That’s not just reactionary-it’s missing the forest for the trees.
Shootouts are a frustrating way to end a game, no doubt. They’re a skills competition tacked onto 65 minutes of team hockey.
And when your team keeps coming up short in them, it’s easy to look for someone to blame. But let’s not pretend Crosby’s effort or ability is the issue here.
He’s doing what he’s always done-trying to win. Sometimes the puck doesn’t go in.
Then there’s the suggestion floating around that the Penguins should pull their goalie in overtime to avoid the shootout altogether. The logic? If you’re going to lose the shootout anyway, why not take a shot at ending it 4-on-3?
Here’s why: the NHL saw that coming. If you pull your goalie in overtime and lose, you forfeit the loser point.
It’s two points or none. That’s a massive gamble for a team fighting for every inch in the standings.
So no, that’s not happening. Not now, not ever.
The Penguins are practicing shootouts. At least once a week, players are working on their moves.
And the coaching staff is watching. That’s why guys like Kevin Hayes and Egor Chinakhov have gotten their chances.
They’ve shown something in practice. If a player wants to be next in line, they’ve got to show they can beat a goalie one-on-one.
It’s that simple.
And speaking of goaltending-this is where the conversation really starts to shift. The Penguins’ netminders have been sharp in overtime.
That’s a major improvement from recent seasons and a big reason why these games are even reaching a shootout in the first place. For all the noise about shootouts, the team is playing better 3-on-3 hockey and getting big saves when it matters.
So yes, the shootout record is frustrating. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture.
A Deeper Look at Dan Muse’s Impact
While the fanbase vents about shootouts, something much more meaningful is happening behind the scenes. Dan Muse, who came into the season as a relative unknown to many, is quietly putting together one of the most impressive coaching performances in recent Penguins memory.
This roster wasn’t built to dominate. It’s filled with second-chance stories and players who’ve had to prove they still belong. And under Muse, they’re doing just that.
Justin Brazeau has 13 goals. Parker Wotherspoon has carved out a vital role on the blue line.
Ryan Graves, who had a rocky start to his Penguins tenure, is finding his form again. Anthony Mantha, Ryan Shea-these aren’t household names lighting up the highlight reels, but they’re delivering in big moments.
That’s not a coincidence.
Muse has empowered his players. He’s built trust.
One player was overheard in Boston recently, praising Muse’s leadership and the way he’s built relationships in the locker room. That lines up with what we’ve heard all season-players feel supported, encouraged, and motivated.
He’s not in the Jack Adams conversation, and that’s probably fine. That award often comes with a short shelf life. But if the Penguins claw their way into the playoffs, and this group of under-the-radar contributors keeps delivering, Muse’s work will speak for itself.
Perspective, Please
Let’s put the shootout drama into perspective: if the Penguins were just average in shootouts-say, 3-4 instead of 1-6-they’d have two more points in the standings. Two. That’s not insignificant, but it’s hardly the difference between a playoff lock and a lottery team.
The real story here isn’t the shootout record. It’s the way this team has rallied around a new coach, the way role players are stepping up, and the way the Penguins are grinding out points in tight games.
So vent if you must. Shootouts are frustrating.
But don’t let that frustration cloud what’s actually happening in Pittsburgh. This team is playing better hockey than it has in years-and Dan Muse deserves a lot of credit for that.
The Penguins may not be perfect, but they’re building something. And if the shootout results start catching up to the rest of their game, they might just surprise some people down the stretch.