Are the Penguins Physically Equipped to Handle the Playoff Grind?

Anyone who’s read PenguinPoop over the years knows the Penguins’ size and toughness…or lack of…has been an ongoing concern of mine.

After watching our guys do battle with the ultra-heavy Wild in a game that featured a healthy dose of physical play last Thursday night, I began wondering anew if we have the requisite size and strength to not only survive a run to the Cup but thrive.

I worry about injuries. I worry about pushback. I worry about what happens to us when we absorb punishment and aren’t handed a spate of power plays to redress the balance.

As a refresher, although we certainly didn’t shy away from physical stuff, the Wild banged us around pretty good. Jason Zucker was taken out early. Brian Dumoulin went head-first into the boards and newcomer Rickard Rakell was shaken up after being tripped by Frederick Gaudreau.

I imagine some extra ice packs were passed around the dressing room afterward.

Unless you count Brian Boyle, we don’t really have a physical deterrent and likely never will so long as Mike Sullivan’s coach.

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