NHL 2016-2017 200 2017-05-31 2017-05-31 https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/thumb/ul2fpw1498105080.jpg This is Pittsburgh's second consecutive Finals appearance, after defeating the San Jose Sharks in six games the previous season, and sixth appearance overall. The Penguins did not make any major transactions during the off-season nor regular season, instead signing head coach Mike Sullivan to a three-year extension. However, following a season-ending injury to Kris Letang, Pittsburgh acquired defencemen Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit via trades. Pittsburgh earned 111 points (50 wins, 21 losses, and 11 overtime losses) during the regular season to finish second in the Metropolitan Division and second overall among playoff teams. Center and team captain Sidney Crosby led the club in points with 89, finishing second in the League, and led the club and League in goal scoring with 44 goals during the regular season. Teammate Phil Kessel led the team in assists with 47. In the playoffs, the Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games, eliminated the Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals for a second consecutive year, this time in seven games, and edged the Ottawa Senators in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. 523698