I don't think people realize how hard it is to:
a) make the NHL playoffs every year,
b) win a playoff series in the NHL, and
c) reward fans with not one but two Stanley Cups in the last five years.
Yeah, it sucks that they've had early-round exits over the last couple seasons. Guess what? The mighty Avalanche, with some of the greatest players in the world, haven't advanced past the second round in over ten years. The best Penguins team of all-time (92-93) couldn't even make the conference finals. either. That's how difficult it is.
If you had told me before Game 1 that they'd be 3-3 with the Rangers (and their Vezina-winning goaltender) with Louis Domingue in net for 5+ games and without Crosby for 1+ games, I'd have taken it. I'm going to enjoy watching the opportunity the Penguins have tonight, win or lose. Whether it starts tonight, or in a few weeks, or in another month or so, I'll have plenty of time in the offseason to ponder their future.