The Penguins entered the season with modest playoff hopes, at best. After 17 games, they sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 9-5-3 record. Although they’ve cooled off recently, they remain competitive and are dealing with numerous injuries to Rickard Rakell , Justin Brazeau , Filip Hallander , Tristan Jarry , Joel Blomqvist , Caleb Jones , and Noel Acciari .

Some might look at that list and dismiss the talent of those players, but it means they are without four regular forwards, one of their top six defensemen, and half their goaltending tandem. That’s a significant hurdle early in the season, especially for a team whose depth isn’t particularly strong. It raises the question: Can Pittsburgh weather this storm and realistically compete for a playoff spot

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