Late-Game Slippage: Penguins' Struggles Continue
By Michelle Crechiolo
Penguins Team Reporter
December 13, 2025
The Penguins' recent struggles continued on Saturday night as they let a 5-3 lead slip away in the final minutes of regulation against San Jose. Bryan Rust, attempting an empty net goal, hit the post, allowing the Sharks to capitalize and complete a stunning comeback. San Jose scored five unanswered goals, rallying from a 5-1 deficit to secure a 6-5 overtime victory.
Erik Karlsson, when asked about the game's outcome, expressed frustration, saying, "I don't know. I think there's a lot more inappropriate words for how this game unfolded. We played an incredible game until the final 15 minutes of the third period. Then, we started going through the motions, trying to kill time, and this league is too good for that. We paid for it today."
The Penguins' recent form has been inconsistent, winning four of five games but then losing four straight, with three of those losses coming late in the game. Sidney Crosby, reflecting on the team's performance, stated, "We felt like we did everything but get two points in three of those games. We need to find consistency and close out games."
Bryan Rust offered a practical solution, suggesting, "You just can't grip the stick too tightly. We're professionals; we must get the job done. Play harder and simplify. Get the puck out of the zone and ensure everyone is doing their job."
Despite a strong start, the Penguins dominated possession with 43 shots, received depth scoring from all lines, and had a strong power play. However, the team's performance in the third period was a major concern. Dan Muse, the head coach, emphasized the need for better consistency, stating, "This shouldn't be the conversation. It's too many games in a row that's happening."
Muse further elaborated on the team's struggles, attributing them to a lack of focus and discipline in critical moments. He acknowledged the team's tendency to lose momentum and play away from their strengths, sometimes due to poor positioning and penalties. Muse took responsibility for the team's performance, promising to address the issues and improve.
The coach also discussed the role of goaltender Arturs Silovs, who made crucial saves throughout the game. Muse considered whether Silovs was at fault for the team's performance in front of him, acknowledging the team's breakdowns and the need for better end-of-game management.
