On April 12, 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2, losing their chance at a 17th consecutive postseason appearance. The record-breaking streak in the NHL was the longest of any of the four major North American sports leagues, and the end of the streak is attributed to a combination of subpar goaltending and questionable management decisions by the new ownership group, Fenway Sports Group. Despite the Penguins' aging core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the players remained effective on the ice, with Crosby earning 91 points this season and Malkin earning 83. However, this was not enough to secure a playoff spot. The Penguins will face the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 13, the earliest end to a season since Crosby's first year in the NHL. Fans are disappointed to see the team's streak come to an end, but are proud of the massive impact the trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang have had over the years.