Penguins Miss Playoffs For The First Time Since 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA — An era has ended. The Penguins have failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006, ending a 16-year postseason run that was the longest consecutive playoff streak in the NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB.

The Penguins (40-31-10) were eliminated from contention when the New York Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on Wednesday. The Islanders clinched the final wild card playoff spot that the Pens were hoping to get.

How significant is the fact that the Pens won't participate in the postseason? It's the first time that's occurred since Sidney Crosby's rookie season. It's the first time that stars Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang have missed the playoffs.

The ignominy of missing the playoffs and the resulting revenue loss from the lack of home playoff games this year could cost embattled Pens general manager Ron Hextall. He has been criticized for making a series of disastrous personnel moves during his two-year tenure with the team.

Mike Sullivan, the Penguins all-time winningest coach who has won two Stanley Cups with the team, does not appear to be in jeopardy of losing his job.