Report: threats to the Penguins' Stanley Cup “three-peat”

The Pittsburgh Penguins began the first team since the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings to be crowned back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, and fans are already dreaming on a three-peat. 

However, the Penguins underwent a major change-up in the offseason, and NHL.com analysts Dan Rosen and Matt Waymire believe some serious struggles are ahead for the defending champions. 

The Pens will enter the 2017-18 season with a broken roster, as several key members in free agency; Nick Bonino, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cullen. Defensemen Trevor Daley, Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit also signed with rival teams. Hence, the Penguins "lack the quality depth that helped them win the past two championships."

On a more emotional level, the Pens had to part ways with the beloved goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who became the Vegas Golden Knights' starting netminder in the expansion draft in June. Fans will hope that the young Matt Murray can remain healthy this season. 

Defenseman Kris Letang will also hope to bounce back from injury. After undergoing season-ending neck surgery to repair a herniated disc April 13, Letang will need to produce with departures of Daley, Hainsey and Streit. 

Pens' fans, let's hope the team will adjust and head to a run at a third championship.