Report: Rutherford admits to preparing a couple deals ahead of three-peat run

The Pittsburgh Penguins are attempting a feat this season that hasn't been achieved since the 1980's. The mythical three-peat.

The New York Islanders were the last franchise to win 3 or more consecutive Stanley Cups back in the '80s. With the parity in the NHL increasing year after year, reducing the gap between teams to a point where the majority of teams are on an even playing field, it's gotten harder to win consecutive Cups, let alone one.

''The league is just so tight,'' Crosby said at the Hockey Hall of Fame on Wednesday. ''Feels like every year it just gets tighter and tighter. There's just no separation from team to team. I think that it brings out the best in everyone, individually and teams as well. It certainly makes for a test every night because there really is no separation between all the teams out there.''

So with the Penguins having won a rare two consecutive championships, the stage is set for them to make history this year.

The 14-10-3 Penguins have a long way to go if they want to compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and Jim Rutherford is cognizant of that fact.

''It's been tough on our team. When you go back-to-back and have two short offseasons and have the kind of schedule we've had to start the season,'' Rutherford said as reported by Sports Illustrated. ''We're getting to the point now where we're getting a few more days off and we can hopefully play with more consistency.

''I can hopefully add a player or two along the way here to get a chance to do that.''

Rutherford is no stranger to making big deals to give his team a chance to compete. He tends to reward his team's efforts by going out and seeking top talent to push the team over the edge. The Penguins aren't off to their best season but are still in a position to succeed.

Names such as Alex Galchenyuk, Max Pacioretty, and Evander Kane have been tied to the Penguins, with at least one of them a good candidate to be traded this season.

The Penguins will have to improve their play down the stretch if they want their general manager to gamble futures to acquire these expensive talents. Each excellent goal-scorers in their own rights, they would provide a significant boost to the Penguins' offensive arsenal.