Robbie and Snail close out August with one final mailbag episode. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Snail sit down for another mailbag episode where they take your questions but no concerns. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hockey news is slowing down but the mailbag keeps rolling along with Robbie and Snail. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a mailbag episode this past Thursday, the Skating Penguin Network crew is back again for another question go-around in the normal Tuesday time slot. This week, we have two different Brians asking questions, as well as a newcomer named Jase. The three hosts take questions on topics including: Whether or not UFA forward Tomas Tatar signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins after having confirmed discussions with the team Is Erik Karlsson’s injury history concerning as he enters his first season with the team? If one chain restaurant could be added to your area, what would it be? We also talk about each host’s favorite non-Penguins-related hobbies All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a monster trade that brought Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins, we have a jam-packed mailbag edition of the Penscast. This week, Robbie, Snail, and Garrett take questions on several different topics, including: What the team might do personnel-wise now that Jake Guentzel will be out until at least the end of October Crazy hockey player superstitions Whether or not it’s the right move for Kyle Dubas to handle GM duties What player would you rather have between Karlsson or Jakob Chychrun How this Karlsson trade may directly impact the performance of Evgeni Malkin All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been 24 hours (at the time of writing this), and ERIK KARLSSON IS A PITTSBURGH PENGUIN. The player Kyle Dubas sought since departing Toronto and arriving in Pittsburgh is finally on his roster, and in one fell swoop, Dubas acquired the reigning Norris Trophy winner while simultaneously doing away with just about every Ron Hextall-era mistake. Garrett and Snail turn on the microphones and provide their reaction to this blockbuster deal. Where will Karlsson be slotted? Will he quarterback the power play? Can Karlsson improve the Pittsburgh Penguins in Jake Guentzel’s absence? How does the trade affect Kris Letang and his ice time? All these questions and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are into August now, and all seems quiet on the western (Pennsylvania) front. While we patiently wait to see what, if anything, Kyle Dubas and co. have up their sleeves, the Penscast Mailbag is back this week to beat the heat and the dog days of the off-season. This week, the three hosts take 11 questions.  What trade do you believe was the best in Pittsburgh Penguins' history? Which player has more upside: P.O Joseph or Ty Smith?  Would you like to see the Penguins go back to their original blue sweaters? Is Drew O’Connor the hero the team needs, giving the team a second chance to buy out Mikael Granlund? Our zany food discussions continue this week. What’s on your Mount Rushmore of ice cream flavors? All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a week off last week, Garrett, Robbie, and Snail return to your podcasting platforms with another mailbag edition of the Penscast. This week, the three hosts take 11 questions. What are some of the top reasons to visit Pittsburgh outside of the Pittsburgh Penguins? Which five teams across the NHL would be on your no-trade list? How would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? We delve into some baseball and talk about the Pittsburgh Pirates drafting pitcher Paul Skenes as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. And all three hosts have a spirited, hilarious, perhaps stomach-churning discussion on the benefits and uses of ketchup! All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it’s no extra large 30-bagger like last week, the Penscast Mailbag returns this week with a lean, 13-question slate. Robbie, Garrett, and Snail return this week to discuss: The arbitration process and qualifying offers to restricted free agents How much of a factor age is when discussing the Pittsburgh Penguins’ chances at winning another Stanley Cup Robbie puts together an “all-star” lineup of Penguins greats We talk about Erik Karlsson again And finally, we round out the show with a spirited discussion on appetizers and the recent influx of vegan-friendly food items at restaurants All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, I typed on this website that we had broken a mailbag record with the number of questions we had, with 28 queries. Fast forward to now, and that record has been eclipsed yet again with 31 tweets sent to the Skating Penguin Network Twitter account. Clocking in at just under 90 minutes, it’s one of the longest recordings we have ever done. But that’s not all the history we’re making. For the first time, we have recruited a new voice to the Skating Penguin Network. Frequent mailbag contributor, Snail, has come aboard the crew and will be providing his voice and opinions to all sorts of future content alongside Robbie and Garrett. This week, the hosts are asked about: Our thoughts on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2023 draft class The early days of free agency and how effective Kyle Dubas’ first moves may be The likelihood of an Erik Karlsson trade to Pittsburgh Whether or not it was the right decision to re-sign Tristan Jarry to a long-term contract The massive menu at the Cheesecake Factory All these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins made their presence known Wednesday night in Nashville. Earlier in the day, Dubas orchestrated his first trade as President of Hockey Operations by acquiring Vegas Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith for a 2024 third-round pick, an opening salvo to what is likely going to be a busy summer for the Dubas administration. Reports indicate that the team is looking to shed the salary of veteran defenseman Jeff Petry, who was only acquired last off-season. And all this was before Connor Bedard even donned his Chicago Blackhawks sweater as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Draft. With the 14th pick in the draft, Dubas and the Penguins selected Brayden Yager, a forward who already vastly improves a shallow prospect pool. Robbie and Garrett are here with an instant analysis of the Smith trade, the team’s newest prospect, and a few mailbag questions. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another extra large Penscast Mailbag is on tap this week, ladies and gents. Twenty-one questions round out the mailbag, and we have a variety of questions and question-askers, with longtime staples such as Brian and a few new faces thrown in. This week, Robbie and Garrett are asked about: The possibility of other teams trying to shed players’ contracts that Kyle may want to inherit With the NHL Draft this week, we take one last look at who the Pittsburgh Penguins could take at pick No. 14 Could Philadelphia’s Carter Hart become a Pittsburgh Penguin? The 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame class, including the likes of Henrik Lundqvist and Tom Barrasso Which player has more trade value: P.O Joseph or Ty Smith? All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we have 17 questions in the Penscast Mailbag, all provided by loyal listener Brian. In this week’s show, Robbie and Garrett are asked about: A hypothetical acquisition of defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson after his buyout from the Vancouver Canucks Another look at Jason Zucker’s next contract and the probability he has of returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins Whether or not Arizona’s Karel Vejmelka would be a nice complement to Tristan Jarry Why Pierre Engvall might be one of the better depth players to go after in free agency And the weekly Penscast food question centers around chicken wings! Are you a fan of drums, flats, or both? Or, as Garrett explains, do you prefer boneless chicken tenders? Which sauces best complement the chicken in this case? All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Snail return to the studio for the second part of this week's mailbag. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Folks, this is the most significant mailbag episode Robbie and Garrett have ever hosted. Every few months, one utters on the podcast, ‘This has to be a new record for questions!’ Well, this episode may not be topped. Twenty-seven questions create this week’s monstrous show, with questions from regulars like Brian, Brenden, and Snail, as well as a few new faces. We are answering questions about: Why John Gibson may not be the best goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins Drew O’Connor’s play and whether or not he’s earned himself a promotion into the top-six The possibility of acquiring forward Alex DeBrincat from the Ottawa Senators Which unrestricted free agents, if any, are likely to return Our weekly food question, courtesy of Brian. This week, we’re discussing the best types of bread! And... new developments/expansion discussions related to the Penscast and the Skating Penguin Network All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fourteen questions create another weekly edition of the Penscast Mailbag. This week, Brian and Snail return with questions about: Kyle Dubas’ immediate future as President of Hockey Operations Dubas’ plan of action when it comes to re-signing Tristan Jarry and Jason Zucker What role Jason Spezza could play if/when he is hired under Dubas We’re looking back at the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup-winning sides and debating whether or not Sidney Crosby should have won back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophies. Should Phil Kessel have won the award for playoff MVP? Was rookie Matt Murray deserving of the award? And finally, Brian has taken us up on being the podcast’s resident food question-asker. This week, we are ranking the best soups from Eat’n Park. Is potato soup the undisputed heavyweight champion? All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wait is over for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a weeks-long search for new hockey leadership, Fenway Sports Group announced the hiring of former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas as Pittsburgh’s President of Hockey Operations on Thursday. In this role, Dubas will “oversee all aspects of the Penguins hockey operations department, including establishing the strategic vision and philosophy for the franchise,” according to Michelle Crechiolo of Pens Inside Scoop. Ever since Dubas’ out-of-the-blue termination in Toronto, he has been on the top of the list of candidates FSG was interested in bringing to Pittsburgh following the dismissals of Ron Hextall and Brian Burke. For more written information on Dubas’ introduction, our overlord Hook Orpik published two pieces detailing Dubas’ arrival. Related: Penguins hire Kyle Dubas as President of Hockey Operations Related: Kyle Dubas Introduction to Pittsburgh: First impressions on the new boss Garrett and Robbie turn on the microphone to break down this new hire and hypothesize about this exciting new era of Penguins hockey. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue to wait for an announcement to see who will be selected as the next general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. As we wait, the Penscast Mailbag returns with more listener questions. This week in the mailbag, we have a varied, 12-question mailbag from regulars like Brian and Snail, as well as Greg A. If you were selected as the GM, what would you do during this off-season? We take a look back at the Jarome Iginla trade and wonder about the what-if scenario had Iginla remained a Penguin following the 2013 Eastern Conference Final loss to the Boston Bruins. Could Drew O’Connor see an increased role heading into 2023-24, especially if Jason Zucker departs via free agency? And finally, we are discussing all sorts of POTATOES as the food questions continue to roll in! *** All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixteen questions create this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag. Frequent contributors, Brenden and Brian, return this week to ask a wide array of hockey and non-hockey-related questions. How does the dysfunction in Toronto affect Fenway Sports Group's decision-making for a new general manager now with Kyle Dubas relieved of his duties? Would you entertain a specific Connor Hellebuyck trade? Which Canadian team will break the 30-year curse of a Canadian market hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup? And finally, perhaps most importantly, which way do you eat corn on the cob? Horizontally, almost like a typewriter action, or do you somehow defy physics and human nature to eat it vertically? All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixteen questions from one of our faithful listeners, Brian, comprise this edition of the Penscast Mailbag. Brian asked a wide array of differing questions for both Garrett and Robbie to answer. Is the Seattle Kraken the de facto playoff team for Pittsburghers since a portion of the roster is comprised of former Penguins? How is Snoop Dogg connected with the pending sale of the Ottawa Senators? What is the greatest sports logo of all time? And, following last week's intense discussion on the best kinds of foods, Brian asks this week what our final meal would look like. All of these topics and more are discussed on this week’s show! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twelve questions create this week's Penscast Mailbag episode. From a conversation on Joe Pavelski to Colby Armstrong's success as an NHL media figure, the top Adam Sandler films, and a longer-than-anticipated discussion on delectable summertime food, Robbie and Garrett run the gamut in this week's episode! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixteen questions create this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag. From a Sidney Crosby contract extension to a discussion on Jason Zucker and Alex Nylander's new deal, all sorts of topics are talked about on this week's show! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirteen questions create this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag. From a potential Juuse Saros trade to a discussion on the Pittsburgh Pirates' hot start, all sorts of topics are talked about on this week's show! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Given the new Hockey Operations setup, and impending new general manager, how short will Mike Sullivan’s leash be during the 2023-24 season? Fenway Sports Group went on record saying they believe Sullivan is a top coach in the league. We can discuss and criticize Sullivan’s deployment of certain players all we want, but is Sullivan really in danger of losing his job next season? *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mailbag returns from the holiday break with Robbie and Snail both back to answer your questions. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you guys want to talk about? Following the firings of General Manager Ron Hextall and President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, the Penguins fandom is out in reckless speculation mode as Fenway Sports Group navigates these waters for the first time. Eric Tulsky? Sam Ventura? Who will be the Pittsburgh Penguins’ next general manager? In addition to these front-office questions, we’re discussing first-round draft picks the Penguins could select in June’s NHL Draft, the likelihood of Jason Zucker returning to Pittsburgh, a potential buyout of Mikael Granlund’s contract, and surprisingly, even a Hooks Orpik mention! All these questions and more create this week’s 17-question Penscast mailbag. *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day has come. The Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday morning relieved general manager Ron Hextall, Brian Burke, and Chris Pryor from their duties as team executives. These moves had long been speculated, and with the Penguins having their 16-year playoff streak snapped this season following a long 82-game season filled with inconsistency, the new ownership, the Fenway Sports Group collective, have decided to take the franchise in a “forward-thinking” direction as they begin their search for a new general manager. Garrett and Robbie are back in this week’s edition of the Penscast to break down the firings, analyze the press conference staged by FSG, and talk about a few potential candidates that Penguins brass may interview along the way. It’s sure to be a wild, eventful summer for Pittsburgh as the team enters another crucial turning point, with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang leading the charge for another championship. Programming note: Apologies for the unforeseen audio issues that creep in throughout this week’s episode. These will be remedied in time for the next podcast. *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Garrett return this week to answer your questions in this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow the new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy crap, the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost control of their destiny and currently sit outside a playoff spot with four games left. Even if the Penguins win out, there's still a scenario where they don't clinch a postseason berth. This is the "break glass in case of emergency" scenario.  Can the Penguins run the gauntlet and/or get help via any New York Islanders or Florida Panthers losses? Robbie and Garrett examine Pittsburgh's, Florida's, and New York's remaining schedules to see the "most likely" outcome between these three teams battling for the two wild-card berths. *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Garrett return this week to answer your questions in this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow the new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which area of this Pittsburgh Penguins’ team gives you the most concern as we march toward the conclusion of the regular season and potentially into the postseason? Unreliable and injury-riddled goaltending, a patchwork defense, a lackluster bottom-six (all of which was on display in the 7-4 loss to the Red Wings), or would you combine all three? The Penguins remain a deeply flawed team, and there’s no reason to believe this iteration of the team will magically flip a switch with just seven games left. They are who they are, for better or worse. Of these mentioned issues, which one(s) are most likely to be mitigated should the Penguins clinch a postseason berth? What may be the best way to cover their warts as a team against better opposition like the Boston Bruins or Carolina Hurricanes? Is there a way to even do that? *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Garrett return this week to answer your questions in this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow the new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now, we're really talking playoff odds.  Following a crushing 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Senators earlier in the week, the Pittsburgh Penguins responded with a dominating 5-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champs in the Colorado Avalanche. The Penguins have 10 games left against a variety of opponents; some are good, and most are bad. Currently at 35-25-10, clinging for dear life to the second WC spot, how likely is it the Penguins clinch a postseason berth? As of early Thursday morning, Money Puck gave the Penguins a 43.9% chance to clinch a berth. Hockey Reference's Playoff Probabilities Report gave the Penguins a 49.0% chance. FiveThirtyEight is at 61%. These estimates, while just that, are no surefire thing for a team as inconsistent as the 2022/23 Penguins. *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Garrett return this week to answer your questions in this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow the new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Garrett return this week to answer your questions in this week's edition of the Penscast Mailbag! *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow the new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Snail are behind the mic and ready to break down everything from a busy opening to free agency. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Penscast, we're recapping a wild 5-4 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets as well as answering your questions in the Penscast mailbag. *** Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow this new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Penscast, a new podcasting endeavor by PensBurgh’s Garrett Behanna and Robbie Naugle. With Vox Media severing ties to its extensive array of podcast contributors (PensBurgh included), Robbie and I were approached by the fine folk at Behind the Steel Curtain, SB Nation’s Pittsburgh Steelers blog. Their podcast contracts were terminated as well. We, along with several podcasters from the SB Nation community and independent podcasters alike, have banded together to form Fans First Sports Network, an all-encompassing podcasting platform to follow your favorite sports teams. Under the Fans First Sports Network banner, Robbie and I have created the Skating Penguin Network, a place to eventually house all of our podcast-related materials. All our past and future episodes of the podcast will live under the Skating Penguin Network. If we reach a point where we expand, either through new shows or, potentially, new hosts, they will join us under the Skating Penguin Network. Moving forward, as we continue to expand the Penscast and Fans First Sports Network, we would love for you to join the ride and help us grow. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a Pittsburgh Penguins fan and maybe listened to Robbie and me when we were officially affiliated with PensBurgh as the PensBurgh Podcast. Think of this as a new chapter, a fresh coat of paint over what you’ve become accustomed to as a podcast listener. As Robbie and I move forward as an independent podcast, we will be changing a few things, like our content structure and diversifying podcasts by publishing several smaller, more digestible podcasts rather than one 90-minute show every week. The podcast will be getting a new look as well. Right now, as we wait for Vox Media to hand us our RSS feeds, we are working on implementing new graphics and new podcasting software to make this the best product it can be. If you’re a longtime listener or finding us for the first time under this rebranding, Robbie and I thank you for listening to us as we continue to bring you our scorching hot Penguins takes. Be sure to follow the Skating Penguin Network on Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on Twitter, @FansFirstSN, as we continue to grow this new company, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost nine straight games against Metropolitan Division opponents. Why are the Penguins losing so many games against familiar teams? Their only saving grace right now might be the fact that they have five games in hand on the Islanders (67 points). This week’s mailbag features 12 questions focusing on hypothetical lineup changes, having Sidney Crosby on the penalty kill more often, Ron Hextall’s desperation, Beau Bennett, and much more. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod. *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been reported that Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry allegedly has a chronic hip injury that may be attributed to his recent injury woes. We’ve already talked a good amount about the health of several key players this season, Jarry included. This has to weigh heavily on potential contract negotiations this summer. This summer’s free-agent goalie market is not particularly strong (Semyon Varlamov, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Freddie Andersen, to name a few). Where does this latest development leave your confidence level regarding the Penguins’ future between the pipes? In addition to this topic, we close the show with 11 questions in a super stacked mailbag. What does Sam Poulin’s future look like? Could Jeff Carter retire at the season’s end? And how much longer will 51-year-old Jaromir Jagr play professional hockey? Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod. *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pittsburgh Penguins robbed the defending Stanley Cup champions of two points on Tuesday night, defeating the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in overtime. With only one game under the Penguins’ belts since their return, Robbie and Garrett don’t spend too much time overanalyzing the contest between the two clubs. However, in its place is a 16-question mailbag, the largest mailbag in podcast history, to keep everyone entertained. We’re talking hypothetical trades, free agent acquisitions, reunions, contract extensions, Ron Hextall’s future, and our passion for college football! As the Penguins prepare for some late-night faceoffs over the next few games, settle in and kill the time with the newest edition of your grandpa’s favorite weekly audio show devoted to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod. *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain out of action as we roll toward the NHL All-Star Game this weekend. With the Penguins not shooting a black, round disc into a net for the foreseeable future, this week’s PensBurgh Podcast episode is devoted to the mailbag segment. Nine questions create this week’s mailbag-centric show. Robbie and Garrett are asked about Ron Hextall’s job security, what a hypothetical Bo Horvat trade would have looked like, Jason Zucker’s potential contract extension, Teddy Blueger’s future in the black and gold, and figuring out which “hated” players would be a good fit for the Penguins’ roster. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod. *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Goaltending injuries have plagued the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tristan Jarry, once again. Jarry was a surprise late scratch against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. It was later revealed via Mike Sullivan that Jarry suffered an upper-body injury. He will miss at least the next two games. Casey DeSmith came in as the starter and allowed six goals on 39 shots. Spicy pork and broccoli was a fun story for a few days in May, but Jarry has sustained another injury in a contract year, and DeSmith is inconsistent at best. The Penguins’ playoff hopes may not directly lie with goaltending help, but they’ve been done in by shoddy goaltending the last two postseasons. Even if Jarry’s ailment isn’t long-term, how swayed are you into giving Jarry an off-season contract extension (even if the free-agent crop isn’t all that great)? Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consistently inconsistent is a term I’ve seen thrown around when talking about the 2022-23 Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins, as of Jan. 19, have a 40.7% chance to make the playoffs, according to MoneyPuck. This is typically not a conversation we’re having with a Sidney Crosby-led team. Following an ugly, perhaps undeserved, overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks, and an OT loss against the Ottawa Senators, where is your playoff panic meter? Reports have emerged that Pittsburgh management wants to let this rough patch “play out,” and are not actively working the trade market. Whether that’s true or not, is it time to have a serious conversation about not being in the playoff picture? Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s talk about Jason Zucker. Zucker’s dynamic, rugged presence in the top six has elevated the group even more. He appears to be healthy and, in turn, is producing as one of the team’s top forwards (10 goals, 26 points, +4 in 36 GP). With this production, given his current $5.5 million cap hit on an expiring contract, and the overall lack of depth on this team, should the Penguins think about extending Zucker or try to go in a potentially younger/cheaper route? Right now, Pittsburgh will have an estimated $20 million of cap space at the season’s end. Can the Pittsburgh Penguins afford Zucker’s services on an expiring contract? Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023 is here, and so is the PensBurgh Podcast. Refreshed and ready to talk more hockey, Garrett and Robbie are here to break down the latest Pittsburgh Penguins action. Goalie Tristan Jarry suffered an injury in the Winter Classic. His ailment forced Casey DeSmith to enter in relief. Since then, Dustin Tokarski has been recalled from the WB/S Penguins. To avoid beating a dead horse this week a la Jeff Carter/Brian Dumoulin, we’ll talk about Casey DeSmith. He owns a 4-7-2 record, 2.99 GAA, and .911 SV PCT. In the event Jarry misses substantial time, how confident are you DeSmith can be the No. 1 goalie with a team that is already so maddeningly inconsistent? In addition to that, we have a six-question mailbag this week to round out the first show of 2023. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie and Snail are back to discuss the Stanley Cup and the upcoming NHL silly season. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. *** Follow the Skating Penguin Network on X/Twitter, @PenguinsFFSN, to stay up-to-date with our latest podcast episodes, new content, and more. Follow Fans First Sports Network on X/Twitter, @FansFirstSN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are Ron Hextall in this scenario. The Pittsburgh Penguins have turned their season around after a less-than-stellar start. You have your eyes set on competing for a championship. How do you go about fixing the third line? Internal change (like a roster call-up or promotion/demotion such as Teddy Blueger as 3C, Jeff Carter as 4C)? Or do you have your eyes set on a player(s) that could be brought in via trade? Do you keep Carter and move him to the wing or ship him out as part of that same trade? The mailbag this week features 11 questions and we are walking down memory lane, looking at our favorite goals of the Crosby era, hypothesizing on schedule changes, highlighting Marcus Pettersson’s season, and much more. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It wouldn’t be a regular Pittsburgh Penguins season without the injury bug rearing its ugly head. Defenseman Jeff Petry has landed on LTIR, and Jason Zucker has been labeled “week-to-week” with a lower-body injury. Two key contributors are immediately out of the lineup for the foreseeable future. Given the Penguins’ recent run of form, how well do you like Pittsburgh’s chances to continue their winning ways without these players? The mailbag this week features 10 questions ranging from early-season struggles to rebounding and claiming the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, as well as Sidney Crosby’s incredible age-35 season. Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After receiving deserved scrutiny, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play looks to finally be clicking. A personnel change, bringing a right-handed shot in Rickard Rakell has seemingly sparked the team with the man advantage. In addition, the Penguins have taken more of an effort to screen the goalie, especially with Sidney Crosby down near, or in front of the goalie. We discuss the promising changes to the power play, plus an 11-question mailbag sees the hosts talk about conspiracy theories, the Winter Classic, Kris Letang, and more. Enjoy this week’s episode and, as always, thank you for listening! Don’t forget to support us by rating and subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure also to follow us on Twitter all season long to get updated every time a new episode drops: @PensburghPod *** Intro/Outro music courtesy of Sylendanna. Track title - Online Now! & I Think Its The Way I Walk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices