I think it is safe to assume that every single one of us, and likely everyone inside the Penguins organization, was taking for granted that this team would make the playoffs. Last night popped that bubble.
When you expect things to happen, you don't work for them. You don't earn them. Expectations have a way of unraveling themselves. Last night was absolutely necessary for this team (and it's fans) to come down to earth. It may take a while still to get back in touch with all the things that create a successful team. It may even take a shakeup to drive home the point. But we all felt it. I can't imagine the players and coaches didn't feel it too. The bubble burst. This team is not better than any other until they have proven it on the ice.