Based around results throughout the NHL Regular Season campaign so far, the Penguins have consistently produced good winning streaks, despite the occasional dips in form. There have also been positive results and performances against strong opponents, teams which are believed to have much more potent roster options available, who are considered to be genuine contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Nevertheless, the Penguins appear to be comfortably waddling their way through the season, keeping themselves firmly in the Playoff picture and increasingly inspiring confidence. Pittsburgh boast no ‘League Leaders’ in the NHL stats columns, although you will find Jake Guentzel within the top ten for goals, Tristian Jarry amongst the leading goalies, and Kris Letang as one of the most reliable defensemen.

Rated in eleventh position according to the January 2022 Power Rankings at ESPN, this is just a solid and consistent roster of players, keeping the Penguins on a steady track for the Playoffs. As any hockey fan knows, there’s a huge difference between Regular Season and Playoff competition, when the pressure of expectation really starts to build, although Pittsburgh do have an unmistakable sense of purpose that could bear fruit this year.

What do the bookies think?

According to the latest odds from a variety of online sportsbooks, the Colorado Avalanche top the futures betting markets to win the Stanley Cup this year. The trio of strongest challengers are tipped at being the Tampa Bay Lightning, as the reigning champions, followed by the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights. Further down the pecking order of outright betting odds, come the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Then we have what are considered the outsiders, the teams who bookies believe have some potential, yet aren’t quite confident enough to back them for a strong run in the NHL Playoffs. At the top of this chasing pack is where you will find the Pittsburgh Penguins, despite having enjoyed an exceptional Regular Season campaign so far. Still, that means there is plenty of good value to be found in the futures markets, providing you hunt around for the right odds.

Given this broad idea of where the oddsmakers place the Penguins, before backing their quest for Stanley Cup success this year, it obviously makes good sense to do a little more research and check out the reviews by Arabianbetting. Ice hockey and the NHL is popular the world over, which makes it useful to find reliable sportsbooks in your own region, backed by honest reviews covering everything they offer. Safety and security should always be the primary thought, along with great value odds and a healthy selection of appealing bonus promotions.

Pittsburgh legend still going strong at 50

Fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins have enjoyed frequent success over the years, consistently reaching the NHL Playoffs and challenging for the big prize. Back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, preceded by the exceptional runs in 2008 and 2009, reaching consecutive finals against the Detroit Red Wings and eventually beating them.

Looking towards the end of the twentieth century, there were back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs came in 1991 and 1992, during another great era for the franchise. And believe it or not, one member of that marvelous team is actually still playing professional ice hockey today. That man is right winger Jaromír Jágr, who celebrated his 50th birthday on February 15, 2022.

Since leaving the NHL and the Calgary Flames in 2017-18, Jágr has been playing for Rytíři Kladno in his native Czech Republic, where he is also the owner and club president. Still first in NHL history for game-winning goals (135), remarkably, Jágr told the official NHL website he plans to continue playing next season.

Older fans of the Penguins will probably remember Jágr for his trademark mullet, flowing from the back of his helmet, as he teamed up with Mario Lemieux during such a memorable era for the team. Nobody will forget his mullet or the two Stanley Cup wins he contributed towards, and he will undoubtedly be hoping the Penguins can triumph again this year, watching from afar.