from Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

As current head coach Mike Sullivan likes to say, “It’s hard to make the playoffs in this league,” and as I like to retort under my breath, “It’s harder to miss them.”

The Penguins rarely join the NHL minority and miss the postseason, but we’re down to a month before the playoffs start and the vibe emanating from the contemporary crew has the distinct aroma known as maybe not. At least that’s what I was getting early in the week, and last night’s 4-1 loss in Columbus did nothing to diminish the scent.

At least that’s what I was getting early in the week, and last night’s 4-1 loss in Columbus did nothing to diminish the scent.

“Yes, yes,” CEO David Morehouse said when I asked Tuesday if he’d be shocked to miss the playoffs for the first time as a Penguins executive. “It doesn’t even enter my mind. We have the best general manager in hockey, complete confidence in the coach, and this is a veteran team that knows when it has to play. We have a team that can win a Cup if everyone is healthy and plays the way they’re supposed to. There’s no one I’d rather be.”

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Below, a snapshot of the playoff race in the East/