Penguins aim for playoffs with Crosby and Malkin's support

The Pittsburgh Penguins, an NHL team based in the United States, faced a disappointing season last year, finishing with a record of 38-32-12 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. This outcome has raised concerns about the team's future, especially given the aging roster, which includes franchise icons Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. As the oldest team in the league, the Penguins are at a critical juncture in their competitive window. General manager Kyle Dubas is tasked with the challenge of balancing the immediate needs of the team while also planning for the future. He has made strategic roster changes, including the departures of several players and the addition of new talent like Kevin Hayes and Sebastian Aho. These moves are intended to provide the necessary support for Crosby and Malkin as they continue to perform at a high level. Despite the team's struggles, Crosby remains a key player, having recently signed an extension that will keep him with the team into his late 30s. Malkin is also on the verge of significant milestones, including reaching 500 career goals. The Penguins are hopeful that a bounce-back season from defenseman Erik Karlsson will alleviate some pressure on their star forwards. As the Penguins prepare for their season opener against the New York Rangers on October 9, the organization is focused on improving their power play, which ranked 30th out of 32 teams last season. The upcoming season will be crucial for the Penguins as they seek to return to playoff contention and capitalize on the remaining years of their veteran stars.