Neither the Pittsburgh Penguins nor the Chicago Blackhawks got what they wanted on Tuesday.
The end of the 2022-23 NHL regular season is nigh and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner. The Penguins are in the hunt for their 17th playoff appearance in a row, the longest active streak currently in the NHL. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are looking to have the best odds possible to draft high in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft this summer.
Unfortunately for both teams, the Blackhawks bested the Penguins 5-2 on Tuesday. The Penguins came into the game in control of their playoff destiny, with winnable games left against the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets that would have given them a postseason berth. The loss now means the Penguins have to rely on the New York Islanders to trip at the finish line or their season will end.
The Blackhawks, on the other hand, went from having the best lottery odds to the second-best with one victory. And with the chance to draft Connor Bedard as the prize for winning the lottery, Chicago fans are really kicking themselves as well for this win.
It’s really been some time since we’ve seen this level of self-sabotage from two teams in one game. Truly epic levels of catastrophe out of these two teams, that’s for sure.
NHL fans were quick to point out the unfortunate reality the Blackhawks and Penguins are now living in thanks to Tuesday’s result.
"the pens control their own destiny!"
the pens pic.twitter.com/vGMHcPaETz
— mol (@molfully) April 12, 2023
The Penguins only have themselves to blame. They were unserious all year and thought the could just turn it on when they wanted and never could.
— Cale Berger (@cale_berger) April 12, 2023
The Penguins just lost to the worst team in hockey at home with a playoff spot on the line by 3 goals. Unacceptable. Godawful.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 12, 2023
Penguins and Blackhawks fans right now pic.twitter.com/iDYvzsTe3p
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) April 12, 2023
Dear Pittsburgh Penguins: What DID you do? And Chicago Blackhawks: What did YOU do?
— Lowetide (@Lowetide) April 12, 2023
A regulation win for the Chicago Blackhawks over the Pittsburgh Penguins is the worst possible result for both teams.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) April 12, 2023
I'm betting right now both Blackhawks and Penguins fans are dismayed.
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) April 12, 2023
I still can’t believe the Blackhawks will win this game. The team trying to tank all year beating the team that has tanked better than anyone in history. Twice!
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) April 12, 2023
Another crushing loss for both teams.#Blackhawks knock off #LetsGoPens and climb from 32nd to 30th in the race for best Connor Bedard odds.
And somehow, Pens lose to 30th place team. #FlaPanthers clinch playoff spot, Pens trail #isles by 2 points (with tiebreaker) with 1 GR.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 12, 2023
