While things are getting pretty bad for the Washington Capitals, having lost their sixth-straight game Thursday night against the worst team in the league, it could be argued that the situation in Pittsburgh is just as bad, if not worse. In fact, Penguins fans have seen enough. At least enough of Penguins general manager Ron Hextall.
Fans began chanting “Fire Hextall” during Thursday night’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Chants began to rain down after Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored to give the Oilers a 6-1 lead in the second period.
#FireHextall Chants at PPG Paints Arena… one the worst games I’ve ever been to. #LetsGoPens #Pens pic.twitter.com/yHUdKVBKyo
— Did the Pens Win? (@DidPengWin) February 24, 2023
Boos were also heard for much of the night as the Oilers continued to dominate the Penguins, ultimately winning, 7-2.
FIRE HEXTALL pic.twitter.com/IQ3nmz1RsF
— J🍩ey Bag 🍩f D🍩nuts 🍩 (@joeybagovdonuts) February 24, 2023
While the Penguins remain one standings point ahead of the Capitals for 5th place in the Metropolitan Division, the two former divisional power houses are struggling mightily, and at a crucial part of the season. The Penguins have lost four straight games and are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. The Capitals are 3-7-0 in their last 10 games.
At least in Washington, there are no public outcries for Capitals’ GM Brian MacLellan’s job. Not yet at least.