After signing Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin to new contracts in the off-season and trading for Jeff Petry the Pittsburgh Penguins were predicted to be a playoff contender once more this year. Penguins believed they had what it took to compete in the Metropolitan Division.
With a record of 27-21-9 and a spot in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division, the Pittsburgh Penguins wouldn't be in the postseason if the playoffs began today. When the Edmonton Oilers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-2 on Thursday night, the Penguins' fans let their frustrations be known by chanting "Fire Hextall."
Hextall has left the Penguins with very little money to boost his team's odds unless, as he did for his former teams he has managed.