It was the worst first home period in franchise history.
The Penguins allowed six goals in the first period of Monday night’s 7-1 loss to the visiting Dallas Stars.
It was an ugly loss that looks even worse by the numbers. For the Penguins, Monday’s first period marked the:
- First time in franchise history the Penguins have allowed six goals in the first period at home.
- Fourth time in franchise history the Penguins have allowed six goals in a first period, and the first time since 1988 (h/t Bob Grove.)
For the Stars, the first period was equally historic:
- First time since 2009, and second time since relocating to Dallas in 1993, that the Stars scored six goals in a single period (h/t NHL Stats.)
- Fastest five goals to start a game in franchise history since 1984, and third-fastest all-time (h/t NHL Stats.)
- First Stars player (Mason Marchment, 1-3—4) since 1974 to record four points in the first period (h/t NHL PR.)
By the end of the game, the Penguins had allowed seven goals for the fourth time in the Mike Sullivan era (h/t Bob Grove.) A few more notable stats for the Penguins, which through 17 games and 11 losses have:
- Tied with the Montreal Canadiens with an NHL-high 66 goals against.
- Rank second only to the Habs with an average of 3.88 goals against per game.
- Led the NHL with 22 first-period goals against.
- Allowed at least five goals six times this season.
- Conceded eight of their 11 losses by at least two goals.
We’re just about 11 months out from the Penguins allowing seven goals against in a 7-0 shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs last December. The Penguins were 13-13-3 at the time.
The Pens now hold a 6-9-2 heading into Wedneday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings and are on pace to fall short of that mark over the next few weeks. If they are embracing a tank, it’s time to start shopping players on expiring contracts like Lars Eller and Marcus Pettersson. If they’re looking to turn things around, head coach Mike Sullivan could be in the hot seat.