As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2017-18, along with three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what 2018-19 will hold.
What went wrong
There's a reason no team has won three straight Stanley Cups in more than three decades. Sustaining success is a tough feat in today's salary-cap era.
The extra hockey -- Sidney Crosby had played in 48 playoff games in the past two Cup runs, which amounts to more than half of an NHL season -- certainly takes a toll. Credit GM Jim Rutherford for getting the Penguins close again. Sure, Rutherford had to part with significant team assets, such as center Nick Bonino and playoff performer Chris Kunitz, but he addressed one of the team's biggest deficiencies (depth centers) with a splashy trade acquisition of Derick Brassard.
Defense, though, remained a weakness, and the team did not replenish after shipping Ian Cole to Columbus at the deadline. Goaltender Matt Murray -- hampered by both injuries and coping with personal tragedy -- was strong but did not have his best season, nor postseason. (The 23-year-old also started just 45 games and appeared in only 49, the fewest by the Penguins' top goaltender in a decade.)
The Penguins began the season in a post-championship malaise, but they picked things up when it mattered -- and crushed the league with its scorching power play. Yet in the playoffs, injuries to key players lingered, and it felt like only one line (Crosby's, of course) was carrying the load.
Keys to the offseason
1. Address the defense.
The Penguins sniffed around depth defensemen at the trade deadline but couldn't get something done. They simply need more capable bodies. Matt Hunwick (32 years old, underwhelming season, under contract through 2019-20) is a buyout candidate.
With the cap going up, Pittsburgh should have enough space to go after middle-tier free agents, and defense should be the No. 1 priority. Adding a reliable second- or third-pairing defenseman would suffice.
2. Take care of the RFAs.
Riley Sheahan, Dominik Simon, Tom Kuhnhackl, Bryan Rust and Jamie Oleksiak are all restricted free agents this summer. It's reasonable Rutherford could bring all of them back, especially if the money is fair. The Penguins like Sheahan's versatility, but he'll be pricey.
As usual, the Penguins are pressed against the cap. But unlike the past two seasons, Pittsburgh isn't going to have to part with big contributors because they can't afford them. The only unrestricted free agent on the roster is bottom-six forward Carter Rowney, who is either expendable or re-signed on the cheap.
3. Consider making a trade for draft capital.
The Penguins are without a first- or fourth-round pick this season; one of the reasons Pittsburgh has thrived over the past decade is its seamless promotion from the farm system. The Penguins would have to dangle some of their NHL-ready or almost-NHL-ready talent as trade bait, but it could be worth it for the future.
Realistic expectation for 2018-19
Pittsburgh fans can't be too dejected after the playoff loss to the Washington Capitals. After all, it feels like something had to give after the Penguins ousted their Metropolitan Division rivals all these years.
Three-peating was always a big hill to climb, and the Penguins did get close. Since essentially the entire roster should return for next season, and they'll have an extra few weeks of rest, there's no reason to expect a regression.
Once again, this will be a playoff team, and a dangerous one with ample experience.