One of the biggest disappointments so far this NHL season has been the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins and the inability of their star-powered lineup to put the puck in the net.
The Penguins are averaging just 2.31 goals for per game, which ranks 26th in the NHL. Only the Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Ducks and Flyers have scored fewer goals than the Pens.
Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford told Prime Time Sports on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Tuesday he thinks the reason for his team’s lack of scoring could be mental.
“The team knows how good they are and they know that they can turn it on at times and win games, but I don’t believe there’s enough will and determination to just take it to the level that our team should be at,” Rutherford said.
The Penguins currently sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division and don’t have any players averaging at least a point per game.
“They’re capable of scoring more. Make no mistake, it’s not easy scoring goals in this league but some teams are figuring it out,” Rutherford said. “We have the guys who can do it. The power play has hurt that goal total. It has not done nearly as well as we needed it to.”
In recent years, the Penguins have consistently possessed one of the most dangerous power plays but through 26 games this year, it’s operating at a measly 16.5 per cent.
The Penguins will look to snap their current two-game skid Wednesday when they visit the Colorado Avalanche.
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