It might seem backwards to think that injuries could actually have a positive long-term impact on the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, given their clear Stanley Cup aspirations. It's that end-game goal of a fourth championship banner that makes Pittsburgh's struggles with various traumas and losses a good thing moving forward though.
Going back to last season, only three teams have played more hockey than these Penguins. Because of this, the "rest" that the injuries provide will eventually favor the squad as they attempt to make another run at the Stanley Cup.
The lockout condensed the 2012-13 regular season, making the string of contests more of a sprint-like gauntlet than a normal long-haul regular season.
From January 19 to April 27, the Penguins played through their 48-game schedule. That's an average of a contest nearly every other day—or 48 games in 98 days. They were then given three days off before the postseason began. In the opening round, Pittsburgh played a game every other night until May 11, when the New York Islanders finally gave way in Game 6.
The Penguins earned two days ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Franklin Steele
Will Pittsburgh Penguins’ Injury Woes Be Helpful Come the Playoffs?
January 17th, 2014 by Franklin Steele Leave a reply »
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