The Pittsburgh Penguins still sit at the top of the Metropolitan Division but have played more games than the rest of the division. Unlike last year, no one is running away with the division, mainly due to struggles in the Pens’ defense and between the pipes. Matt Murray has struggled to take the reigns as the full-time starter this season. Murray has a 9-3-1 record, but his .906 sv% ranks just 41st in the league.
The Penguins scapegoated Antti Niemi and placed him on waivers, where he was subsequently claimed by the Panthers.