As the season started on Oct. 2, the Pittsburgh Penguins have checked, blocked and scored their way into the playoffs, which began on April 16.

After winning their first playoff game 4-3 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, one might expect the series to quickly finish with the Blue Jackets having a 43-32-7 record compared to the Penguins having a 51-24-7 record.

When Pittsburgh played Columbus five times in the regular season, the Penguins won each one of these games. This series went on to become a struggle for the Penguins as they lost the second game on home ice. The series then went off and on again for the team as they won the third game, yet lost the fourth. The series, being 2-2, had to go into extra games to determine the winner. After a win in the fifth game, the Pens traveled to Columbus to finish the series with a 4-3 win against the Blue Jackets. After their win, the Pens had a four day break before they began the next round.

During this time, it was narrowed down between two teams that they could possibly face off against in round two: the Philadelphia Flyers or the New York Rangers. Ultimately, the Rangers won 4-3 in game seven of their round one rivalry.

The Penguins began the second round with the Rangers winning the first game of the series in overtime 3-2. The Penguins decided to take over the series by winning the next three games, two of these wins being shutouts. With much pride on their shoulders from these two wins, the Pens headed to New York to hopefully end their series. The series did not end, however, as the game ended in a 5-1 win for the Rangers. With the series being 3-2, the Penguins had to win one more game to advance into the third round of the playoffs. However, the New York Rangers won the final two games, the last in game seven, ending the series.

Though the Pens are out of the playoffs, there is always next year.

Because of this loss, Pens players can realize what worked this season and what did not. According to many fans, Marc-Andre Fleury was not capable enough of handling the games. After the Penguins’ season ended, of the 378 shots that were against Fleury, he only let in 32. This means that he let a little over two shots on goal pass him.

After a disappointing end, Pens players and fans can not be too upset with the outcome as it shows the hard work and dedication the team has put towards every game this season. With good players and hard work there is no doubt they can fight for the Stanley Cup again next season. So until then, ‘Buckle up, baby!’