Pittsburgh Penguins worried after Islanders acquire Bo Horvat

It's hard to imagine Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang not making the playoffs.

They've done it almost every year for the better part of two decades, but their streak might come to an end in 2022-23.

The New York Islanders shocked everybody when they went all-in and acquired Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks.

This just adds more competition to a metro division with several teams on the fringe of a wild card spot. Not to mention that the rest of the eastern conference, notably the Buffalo Sabres, is thriving.

Desperation is setting in, as if the Penguins don't make a big move, chances are they'll be on the outside looking-in come deadline time.

The question is, will Ron Hextall make the commitment, or will he let this storied time flounder into mediocrity.

-

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Reporter reveals why Mitch Marner will not waive no-movement clause