Penguins now in wildcard spot, Crosby fighting and penalties costing them

When was the last the Pittsburgh Penguins were in danger of finishing in a wild card spot? After last night loss to Columbus and Tuesday's third period penalty parade; they lost 3-1 to the Washington Capitals; they are 4th in the Atlantic and in the wildcard spot.
    And for you that think they'll get right back in the think of things ASAP; maybe not. The Rangers have Buffalo tonight and Columbus on Sunday. The Caps have the Islanders and Flyers in a back to back set, Saturday-Sunday. The Pens on the other hand get St. Louis on the road.
Crosby fights & bullying the Caps?
       Thursday night was the first time Sidney Crosby fought since April 15, 2012; yet another sign the Penguins are not themselves.  
       Two nights earlier the Penguins and its fans were disgusted when Alex Ovechkin was not called for a penalty after slashing Kris Letang, the defenseman then lost his balance crashing into the boards. Off the ensuing faceoff two Pens went immediately to Ovi cross-checking him in the arm. Same could be said one faceoff later where the Pens fourth line when after the Caps before the puck was dropped.
In total Pittsburgh was short handed four times in the 3rd period; eventually giving up the game winning goal with just 4 minutes left. But I will say this; the 3rd penalty on Chris Kunitz for boarding was not a great call.
Veteran refs Kevin Pollock & Justin St. Pierre were very fortunate that at no time did this get to be a 3 or 4 goal game. They let allot of shenanigans go early in the 3rd and it could have blew up at anytime if it wasn't such a close game.
Pens toughness + 4th line
In total the Penguins 4th line in the 3rd period they took 26 PIMS; two minors that led to a powerplays with 2 misconducts. Steve Downie absolutely bare none is the most undisciplined player in the NHL. Six players in the NHL have over 100 PIMS: Downie on the other hand has 187 for the season. He is tied for first with Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien with 36 minor penalties taken; the 3rd most in Dion Phaneuf with 30.
The reasoning to bring in Downie was to be semi-bodyguard for Crosby, Malkin & Letang. I don't know to many that would be scared of the former Av, Flyer and Lightning forward, so this experiment is costing the Penguins with needless penalties. I tweeted out yesterday no playoff team would ever go near Downie, I suggested maybe one of the "tankers" who are trying to get McDavid.
If the Pens want someone who will watch the stars backs they need a Chris Neil or a Jared Boll type of players who can play but also do the job properly.