Pens: GM Shero, not hitting the panic button

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing their longest losing streak in 5 seasons, after losing, 1-0 to the Washington Captials last night.

But despite a six game losing streak, Pens general manager, Ray Shero, is not about to hit the panic button on this team, yet.

“Before this streak we won four in a row and were feeling good about ourselves. You can’t feel great when you’re winning or that bad when you’re losing.” Shero said. “We have a veteran group and we’ll come out of this. I expect the players to respond. If they don’t respond, it’s my job to do something to the help the hockey team.”

Shero, basically put an end to any immediate trade or coaching changes, by saying he believes in the leadership in the Penguin locker room.

“Our leader is our coach (Dan Bylsma). I believe in him and our coaching staff. We have a character group of players.” said Shero. “Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik, (Chris) Kunitz, (Craig) Adams. This group of players will play with character. They played like men (against Washington). It was a one-goal game, physical game. We have to build on that.”

The Pens, who will play their next two games in Florida, beginning with the Panthers tomorrow night, are in 9th place in the eastern conference and lead the league with 215 man-games lost. Shero, knows injuries are a problem, but says that can’t be an excuse for losing.

“Our expectation despite injuries is to go into every game with the mindset to win the game,” Shero said. “The 20 guys we put on the ice, I believe in that group to win the game and find a way to win. We’ve gone through this before. We still have good players on the ice and I expect them to win games.”

One player, who Shero says has embodied that attitude this season is  All-Star, Evgeni Malkin.

“He’s re-established himself, he’s a leader on the hockey team, playing fantastic hockey, a top player in the league, a go to guy on the ice.” said Shero. “He puts pressure on himself and he cares, he wants to win. Him leading the way bodes well for our future.”

And as for news on Sidney Crosby, Shero, told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, that Sidney Crosby will skate tomorrow after the Penguins morning skate, and will address the media.

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(photo by Getty Images)

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