A heartbroken Guentzel blames himself hard for Pens’ elimination

For the third consecutive postseason, the Pittsburgh Penguins were ousted in the first round, by the New York Islanders for the second time no less, and a clear message came out of players’ mouths on Friday as they met with media : they deserved better. 

Forward Jake Guentzel was however more distraught by the whole series and blamed himself for the elimination. While several fans are pointing the finger at goalie Tristan Jarry, Guentzel held some harsh words directed at himself on how he could have done more, saying that he felt he “let a lot of people down.”

 “I thought I had chances, had shots. I got to find a better way to produce and do my job there, so I take a lot of responsibility for that. I let a lot of people down. I just got to find a way to put the puck in the net and make plays and be better there.”

It is true that Guentzel was quiet for most of the series, but so were Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust… Guentzel recorded two points in six games. Unfortunately, fans didn’t get to see the usual playoff beast he becomes for Pittsburgh. 

However, captain Crosby felt the entire team gave its all and how close they came to making it to the second round, against the Boston Bruins. 

“This year I felt like we had a good group, and we did a lot of good things,” Crosby said. “I think we easily could have made a run. I feel pretty confident about this group and in saying that with the way that we were trending and the way we finished the year. But it’s a fine line in the playoffs.”

However, it sounded like Guentzel will be haunted a while by his lack of production in this postseason… This is how he plans on getting ready for the 2021-22 season. 

"Physically get stronger. I'm excited to get in the weight room. It’s going to be a good summer just because this left a sour taste in my mouth, and I know I got to be a lot better."

Here is Guentzel's full press conference on Friday: