Crosby calls on Pens to improve habits: Poor start 'not our goalies'

Sidney Crosby believes the Pittsburgh Penguins' shaky start to the season can be attributed to a lack of structure on the ice rather than instability between the pipes.

"It's not our goalies," Crosby told The Athletic's Josh Yohe following Sunday's 6-3 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets. "It's on us to play better in front of them."

The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 3-4-0 on the season, and the Penguins now lead the league with 31 goals against. Usual No. 1 netminder Tristan Jarry has posted a miserable .836 save percentage in three games, and rookie Joel Blomqvist is 2-2 in four appearances with a .908 clip.

Alex Nedeljkovic made his season debut Sunday, but it was more of the same from the skaters in front of him.

"We're giving up odd-man rushes," Crosby said. "We're not getting clears."

He added: "Look at the game-winner. I lose the faceoff. Then I don't get my guy. And it ends up in the back of the net."

The Penguins are facing immense pressure to make the playoffs this season after missing out each of the past two campaigns. Crosby reaffirmed his desire to win in Pittsburgh over the offseason by signing a two-year extension beginning in 2025-26.

Pittsburgh has played four of its seven games so far against playoff teams from last season and has been outscored 20-6. The Penguins' three victories have come against the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens.

"We can't keep giving up five or six goals a game if we want to win," Crosby said.