Penguins' Playoff Hopes Plummet After 5-1 Loss to Ducks

The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled significantly since returning from the Christmas break, going 4-8-3 in their last 15 games and currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 20-23-8 record. Their recent losses, including a 5-1 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks and a 4-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, highlight ongoing defensive issues and inconsistencies in their play. Head coach Mike Sullivan has pointed to defensive lapses leading to easy goals against, while the team's goal differential is the worst in the East at minus-39. Rumors of a potential fire sale have surfaced, with discussions about trading players aside from untouchables like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Despite a strong start to the season, the Penguins now face a meager 1.9% chance of making the playoffs. As the team grapples with injuries and poor performance, their playoff hopes appear increasingly dim.