The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster is a lineup that every hockey fan should know about. This team not only showcased incredible talent but also set a benchmark in the NHL by winning the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years. In this article, we will explore the roster, key players, and their journey to victory.

When discussing the Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster, it's important to recognize the team's dominance during this period. The Penguins were led by some of the greatest talents in NHL history, making them one of the most formidable teams in the league. This article will provide a detailed overview of their 2017 lineup and highlight the factors that contributed to their success.

This guide aims to deliver a wealth of information about the Penguins' 2017 season, including player profiles, stats, and insights into their strategies. Whether you're a die-hard hockey enthusiast or just curious about the Penguins' triumph, this article will offer a deep dive into their remarkable year.

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Overview of Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 Roster
Key Players on the 2017 Roster
Goalies: The Backbone of the Team
Defensemen: Solidifying the Defense
Forwards: Scoring Machines
Season Highlights and Achievements
Coaching Staff: Guiding the Penguins to Victory
Statistical Analysis of the Roster
Impact on NHL History
Conclusion: Legacy of the Penguins 2017 Roster

Overview of Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 Roster

The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster was a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. This lineup was instrumental in the Penguins' victory in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. The roster consisted of 23 players, each contributing significantly to the team's success.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Sullivan, the Penguins showcased exceptional teamwork and strategy. Their ability to adapt to different game scenarios made them a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. The roster featured a mix of offensive firepower, solid defense, and reliable goaltending.

Some of the standout players from the 2017 roster include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. These players not only excelled individually but also worked cohesively as a unit, leading the Penguins to their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.

Key Players on the 2017 Roster

Captain Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Penguins, was a pivotal figure in the 2017 roster. Known for his exceptional skating, playmaking, and scoring abilities, Crosby led by example both on and off the ice. He finished the 2017 playoffs with 14 goals and 19 assists, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

Evgeni Malkin

Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins' center and alternate captain, was another key player in the 2017 lineup. Malkin's offensive prowess and leadership were crucial to the team's success. During the 2017 playoffs, he scored 12 goals and added 16 assists, solidifying his status as one of the NHL's top players.

Kris Letang

Kris Letang, the Penguins' star defenseman, played a vital role in the team's defensive structure. His ability to transition from defense to offense quickly made him an invaluable asset. Letang contributed 11 assists in the 2017 playoffs, showcasing his versatility and skill.

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Goalies: The Backbone of the Team

The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster featured two talented goalies: Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray. Both players played crucial roles throughout the season and playoffs.

Marc-Andre Fleury: Known as "Flower," Fleury was the Penguins' starting goaltender during the regular season. He had a solid season with a .920 save percentage and 2.57 goals-against average.
Matt Murray: Murray stepped up during the playoffs, replacing Fleury as the starting goaltender. His stellar performance in the postseason earned him the Stanley Cup Finals MVP award.

Defensemen: Solidifying the Defense

The Penguins' defensemen were instrumental in their 2017 success. Players like Kris Letang, Trevor Daley, and Justin Schultz formed a formidable defensive unit.

Trevor Daley: Daley provided steady defense and chipped in offensively with 10 points during the playoffs.
Justin Schultz: Schultz emerged as a key contributor, scoring 14 points in the playoffs and adding a much-needed offensive element from the blue line.

Forwards: Scoring Machines

The Penguins' forwards were known for their scoring ability and tenacity. Players like Jake Guentzel, Phil Kessel, and Conor Sheary were among the top performers.

Jake Guentzel: A rookie sensation, Guentzel scored 13 goals in the playoffs, including a hat-trick in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Phil Kessel: Kessel was a consistent threat, scoring 12 goals and adding 18 assists during the playoffs.

Season Highlights and Achievements

The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 season was filled with memorable moments and achievements. Some of the highlights include:

Winning the Presidents' Trophy as the top team in the NHL during the regular season.
Securing back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, a feat not accomplished since 1998.
Individual accolades such as Sidney Crosby's Conn Smythe Trophy and Matt Murray's Stanley Cup Finals MVP award.

Coaching Staff: Guiding the Penguins to Victory

The Penguins' coaching staff, led by Mike Sullivan, played a pivotal role in the team's success. Sullivan's strategic decisions and ability to adapt to different game situations were instrumental in the Penguins' victory.

Under Sullivan's leadership, the Penguins developed a strong team culture and a focus on continuous improvement. His emphasis on puck possession and defensive responsibility helped the team achieve their goals.

Statistical Analysis of the Roster

The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster was statistically one of the best in NHL history. Below are some key statistics from the season:

Total Goals Scored: 228
Power Play Percentage: 23.3%
Penalty Kill Percentage: 82.7%

Impact on NHL History

The Penguins' 2017 roster left an indelible mark on NHL history. By winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, they joined an elite group of teams that have accomplished this feat. Their success also highlighted the importance of teamwork, leadership, and adaptability in achieving greatness.

The Penguins' 2017 season serves as an inspiration for future NHL teams, showcasing the importance of building a balanced roster with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Penguins 2017 Roster

The Pittsburgh Penguins 2017 roster will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NHL history. Their combination of talent, leadership, and teamwork resulted in a historic championship run. From Sidney Crosby's Conn Smythe Trophy to Matt Murray's stellar goaltending, every player on the roster contributed to the team's success.

We invite you to share your thoughts and insights about the Penguins' 2017 season in the comments section below. Additionally, feel free to explore other articles on our site for more in-depth coverage of NHL teams and players.

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