The dislike for the Pittsburgh Penguins will only grow, especially when fans discover that the club will travel an estimated 31,700 miles in 2024-25, the least of the 32 NHL teams.
For the past two decades, the Penguins, thanks in part to three Stanley Cup titles and one of the game’s greatest players, Sidney Crosby, have often been featured in outdoor games and nationally televised contests, much to fan ire.
Having their successes pushed by the league, fans outside the Steel City often tune out their games.
Many social media users have pointed out the unfair bias towards the team. After reading comments regarding the upcoming travel schedule, it is clear that no love is lost in that department.
However, is it really Pittsburgh’s fault that they are almost centrally located regarding Eastern Conference teams?
According to Google Maps, here’s a breakdown of their closet opponents:
That’s 10 teams within a 500-mile radius of PPG Paints Arena, where the Penguins can play a home-and-home series. They won’t have to travel a thousand miles between the two games.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars top the list because they will play some games in Finland, and the Florida Panthers are the league’s southernmost team.
When the reigning Stanley Cup champions fly to Edmonton for a Final rematch, that trip alone will rack up close to 6,022 miles.
Like every other team, the Penguins still have lengthy road trips and travel across the continent on several occasions like everyone else, and they have their fair share of back-to-backs.
Ultimately, if Pittsburgh players get to spend more time at home than any other team, there should be no excuses regarding their performance since it appears they have time to rest and relax.
Anything less than a playoff spot would be deemed a disappointment.
