NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Pens beat writer lambasts $12.95 billion-worth Pittsburgh Penguins owners FSG (image credit: Imagn)

"So, so corporate; don't have hockey experience": Pens beat writer lambasts $12.95 billion-worth Pittsburgh Penguins owners FSG

Modified Nov 25, 2024 12:21 GMT

The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled this season. The team is currently last in the Metro Division with 18 points, two back of the seventh-place Philadelphia Flyers.

But according to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe in his Nov. 21 editorial, the lack of results stems from the very top, above coach Mike Sullivan. he believes the blame should be pinned on Fenway Sports Group (FSG). In fact, Yohe wrote:

“My sense all along, however, has been that Dubas and ownership don’t hold Sullivan responsible for what’s going on.”

The comment is interesting insofar as it references Penguins GM Kyle Dubas as Sullivan’s largest supporter. In fact, Yohe points out that Dubas likes Sullivan so much that firing him for the Penguins' poor performance would be a “last resort.” That support, however, points toward a deeper cause. Yohe underscores that FSG is:

"So, so corporate. And they don't have hockey experience."

Josh Yohe went into detail, explaining that in his opinion FSG is not holding Sullivan accountable and that a light-handed approach from the top is affecting the team on the ice.

Yohe believes that the ownership is looking at the Penguins from a financial perspective and behaving 'stingily.' This means they will look to keep Sullivan on, rather than "paying for two head coaches for the better part of two seasons."

FSG is valued at 12.95 billion in 2024, as per Forbes, and is frequently accused by fans in multiple sports of putting profits ahead of some of their teams.

Yohe feels FSG lacks the experience and know-how to run an NHL team and as a result, the decisions reside with Dubas. It’s Dubas who ultimately controls Sullivan’s fate. Such a situation does little to address fan frustration as the Pittsburgh Penguins descend into rebuilding territory.

Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate Sidney Crosby’s 600th goal

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby notched his 600th career goal on Saturday night against the Utah Hockey Club. The goal makes Crosby the 21st player in NHL history to reach the milestone. Crosby joined Mario Lemieux as the second Penguin to reach the vaunted milestone.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan had this to say about Crosby’s milestone per NHL.com:

“He's in elite company now with every milestone that he achieves at this point. He's in very elite company. He's amongst the greatest players of all time. I think that's what that number suggests.”

Crosby’s Hall of Fame resume includes the most games played as a Penguin (1,295) and the second-most points in team history with 1,617. Only Lemieux has more at 1,723.

Crosby has been a model of consistency throughout his career. He’s been above a point-per-game player for his entire career, climbing up the all-time points leaderboard. He is still going on strong at age 37 and will likely play two more seasons.

There’s a good chance Crosby can catch Lemieux and retire as the franchise's all-time points leader. In the meantime, the club is celebrating a unique milestone.