Yohe's 10 observations: Malkin upset after Penguins loss — 'We can't just lose every game'

LAS VEGAS There were a few sequences in the third period on Friday at T-Mobile Arena when the Golden Knights looked like men playing against boys.

Its not going to be a pretty closing stretch for these Penguins.

Kyle Dubas spared them of losing Rickard Rakell earlier in the day before the NHL trade deadline expired, but Rakells presence wasnt enough to muster even a goal, let alone any hope, as the overmatched Penguins were steamrolled in a 4-0 setback.

Advertisement Following the game, some Penguins sounded concerned about the season going off the rails.

We cant just lose every game, Evgeni Malkin said.

We have to keep trying.

The Penguins have nearly lost every game since the 4 Nations Face-Off.

They were playing fairly well before that two-week break and theoretically were alive in the playoff race, sitting just 6 points out of a postseason spot.

A couple of weeks later, the Penguins are plummeting.

They are 1-6-1 since that break.

Now, the Penguins sit 9 points out of a playoff spot and every team in the NHL has more games in hand on the Penguins, who have played a league-high 65 tilts.

Mercifully, only 17 remain.

Alex Nedeljkovic noted after the game that he found the lack of enthusiasm on the Penguins bench to be troubling, mentioning that the Vegas bench erupted when the home team blocked shots.

Mike Sullivan was asked about Nedeljkovics comment.

Im not answering that, Sullivan said.

Sullivan is aware that his team was unable to muster any offense, but it was the defensive ineptitude he saw from the Penguins that was truly troubling.

He didnt mind what he saw in the first two periods.

The third period, however, saw Vegas enjoy a number of breakaways as the lack of defensive resistance from the Penguins was quite noticeable.

I dont think it was the lack of opportunities (that bothered me), Sullivan said.

It was what we gave up in the third period.

Headline: Local Vegas Man Does Cool Thing pic.twitter.com/IdPuoKYb0r Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 8, 2025 The lack of fight from the Penguins was badly apparent in the third period.

Even in the first two periods, they were beaten and bullied at both net fronts.

"Pulls and shoots score! Ivan Barbashev!" "2-0 Golden Knights!" @Dan_DUva Barbashev adds an insurance marker for Vegas early in the middle frame.

pic.twitter.com/6OE5xO9xND Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) March 8, 2025 Sullivan noted that the Penguins need to get inside more frequently.

Malkin never missed the playoffs in his career until the 2022-23 season.

With one year left on his contract and retirement not far away, hes about to miss them for a third straight time.

This, he said quietly, is so hard.

The Penguins went 9-3-1 between Thanksgiving and Christmas, inspiring hope that a playoff berth might be possible.

Advertisement Since the Christmas break, however, this team, for whatever reason, struggles mightily after it receives long periods off the Penguins are 8-16-5.

Only the woeful San Jose Sharks have been worse during that period.

Every game right now is so tough, Malkin continued.

We start games OK.

Not too bad.

First period was OK.

But then we make a couple of mistakes, and we just lose it.

This is just a tough year.

Its tough to say something new to you because these games are kind of the same.

Earlier in the day, Dubas said that his goal is to turn the rebuilding Penguins into championship contenders again while their future Hall of Famers are still on the roster.

Malkin has one year on his contract and turns 39 in July.

I know Kyle is trying, Malkin said.

I know the coaches are trying.

We are trying.

We are trying hard.

We just have zero confidence right now.

We just need to keep fighting in these last 17 games.

Its not easy, but we have to fight.

We have to have pride.

Ten postgame observations Rakell noted after the game that hes happy to still be in Pittsburgh.

His name was dripping in trade speculation for weeks leading up to the deadline but Dubas, who acknowledged that there was heavy interest in the talented forward, declined to move him.

Malkin was particularly pleased by this news.

One hundred percent, Malkin said.

Other than Sid (Sidney Crosby), hes our best player this year.

I was surprised that people were talking about him being traded.

Im glad hes staying here.

Hes a really big part of our team.

Hes playing with confidence right now, a great player.

Great guy, too.

The Rakell debate will rage on in the fan base.

Some think that Dubas missed a golden opportunity to cash out on Rakell when he was operating in an extreme sellers market.

Others maintain that Crosby deserves to keep his line intact after losing Jake Guentzel to a trade last season.

Advertisement I cant necessarily offer an opinion because, quite frankly, I dont know what offers Dubas received.

I can surmise they were significant, based on other deals that we witnessed around the league.

But its difficult to say with certainty if Dubas should be criticized for what he turned down.

Basically, Dubas is betting on himself and hes betting on Rakell continuing to play at this level.

If hes still playing at this level a year from now and the Penguins are still struggling, he can always sell him at that point.

Its a risk, sure.

But he didnt want to give him away unless the return was massive.

At least he sticks to his guns.

Overall, I thought Dubas did a very impressive job during the past six weeks.

He received a first-round pick for Drew OConnor and Marcus Pettersson, a second-round pick for Anthony Beauvillier, a second and a fourth-round pick for Luke Schenn, a third-round pick and two prospects for Cody Glass.

Thats some seriously impressive work.

The Penguins are rolling in draft picks during the next three years.

Theyll use some of those picks to acquire players and others to move up in drafts, in all likelihood.

And thats perfectly fine.

This is new and needed territory for the franchise that is finally deciding to dedicate itself to something of a youth movement.

This season is starting to take a toll on Sullivan.

You can feel it.

This is a deeply competitive coach whose passion for winning is very much a signature part of his personality.

He ranges anywhere from sounding resigned to angry following losses these days.

These are dark days for his Penguins and I dont see things getting much better during the rest of this season.

Tommy Novak nearly scored a goal on his first shift with the Penguins.

I thought he was one of the Penguins better players all night, his skating and skill level sticking out.

Advertisement One thing to keep an eye on: He has a reputation for letting his game become too perimeter-based.

In other words, he doesnt go to the dirty areas enough.

Lets give him some time and see how he adjusts to his new team.

Bryan Rust doesnt mind going to the hard areas.

Or blocking shots.

He blocked a shot late in the second period, and I havent seen a player writhing in that kind of pain without leaving the ice in quite some time.

He hobbled to the bench and looked to be in agony on the bench.

But he returned for the third.

I came back, he said with a shrug of the shoulders.

Hes a hockey player.

And one thats very easy to respect.

The Penguins rewarded the improving Ryan Shea with a one-year contract extension before the game.

Hes become a much better player this season and has a chance to play in the NHL for a while.

Hes not a great talent or anything, but I consider him something of a lend-handed Chad Ruhwedel.

You need guys like that.

Reilly Smith received a heros welcome in Vegas during his first game back after a trade with the Rangers.

Hopefully, hell be happy back in Vegas, which is where he always wanted to be.

Ive never seen a player look more miserable during his time in Pittsburgh when he let it be known to everyone that hed rather be in Vegas.

He finally got his wish.

The Western Conference isnt for the faint of heart, but the Golden Knights are really good.

I dont think theyre the favorite in the West Ill give Dallas the nod but Vegas could come out of the West.

Theyre big, talented, well-coached and overall a very impressive team.

And a great, great blue line, Malkin said.

Maybe seeing an old friend will enhance the Penguins mood on Sunday.

Theyll play against Marc-Andre Fleury for the final time when they visit the Minnesota Wild.

Will be good to see him, Rust said.

We all know how much he still means to this organization and the city of Pittsburgh.

(Photo of Alex Nedeljkovic making a save in the third period against the Golden Knights: Stephen R.

Sylvanie / Imagn Images).

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