Holy shit, the 2019-20 NHL regular season starts tomorrow! Of course, for we Penguins fans, we’ll have to wait another day, but finally, once again, there is meaningful hockey to be played and watched!

It happens every year at this time- the leaves start to fall, our immune systems seem to weakens just in time for this year’s influenza mutation, and the Pirates mercifully reach the end of another embarrassing season. And while everything around us starts to die, we Pittsburgh fans remain hopeful for a great year from the Steelers and Penguins.

Last season the Penguins struggled to find successful defensive pairs throughout the year, which is not surprising when one of the top four misses considerable time due to injury. The team made some adjustments by first sending Jamie Oleksiak back to Dallas just to bring in Erik Gudbranson at the trade deadline. In the offseason, the Penguins shipped Olli Maatta to Chicago in exchange for some potential top 6 forward depth in Dominik Kahun. As the preseason games continue the team’s defensive picture is becoming more clear, so it is time to address the defense and those potential pairings.