NHL analysts have released vaticination for the 2023-24 Penguins season with due comparison to the previous season…

Predictions for the 2023-24 Penguins season by NHL analysts have emerged, offering a relatively optimistic outlook compared to the previous season.

As the offseason comes to a close, various media outlets are speculating about the standings of all 32 NHL teams by April 2024. Let’s delve into the consensus on the Penguins’ prospects.

Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic anticipates the Penguins finishing with 96.5 points, granting them a 65% chance of making the playoffs and a 1% chance of winning the Stanley Cup. In contrast, without Kyle Dubas’ summer moves, Sean Gentille projected the Penguins to end with 87 points and only a 21% likelihood of making the playoffs.

According to predictions from NHL.com writers, most foresee the Penguins clinching a wild card spot. Out of 16 surveyed writers, eight expect the Penguins to secure a wild card position, while five anticipate a top-three finish in their division.

Three NHL.com authors, however, predict that the Penguins will miss the playoffs altogether. It’s noteworthy that all these writers foresee the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, or New York Rangers finishing atop the division.

ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski envisions the Penguins claiming the third spot in the Metro, trailing behind the Devils and Hurricanes. Nevertheless, Wyshynski emphasizes that this prediction hinges on the Penguins’ overall health, as last season’s experiences showed that a short-handed team can significantly impact their performance.

On the other hand, CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison predicts that the Penguins will fall short of a playoff berth, with the Canes, Devils, and Rangers securing the top three positions in the Metro.

Nivison expresses doubts about the Penguins’ ability to compete with the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres for a wild card spot, citing concerns about the team’s aging roster, depth scoring, and Tristan Jarry’s performance.

The Score’s John Matisz forecasts the Penguins making the playoffs but suggests they might not advance to the conference finals if they face strong opponents like the Devils or Hurricanes.

In summary, the prevailing consensus suggests that the Penguins are likely to make the playoffs, albeit with an early exit, possibly in the first round. The team’s performance in the 2023-24 season is expected to hinge on two key factors: the health of their star players and the consistency of Tristan Jarry.