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Pittsburgh Penguins blog for the five time, five time, five time, FIVE TIME Stanley Cup Champions
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The Penguins inability to close out games is still a concern (and other quick thoughts)
The Penguins continue to struggle closing out games, as highlighted by a recent loss to Utah where a last‑second regulation goal by Ben Kindel was erased and Mikhail Sergachev scored in overtime. The team has only two regulation wins in 13 outings, trailing most of the league, and has now allowed three late‑game ties this season (versus Dallas, Montreal and Utah). Coach Dan Muse’s line‑up choices, especially the fourth‑line defense pairing of Declan Carlile and Kaedan Korczak, drew criticism. The article also flags Sidney Crosby’s sluggish start—seven points in 13 games—as a concern for the Penguins’ outlook.
Pens Points: Cooley cools down the Penguins
The Penguins lose a dramatic 4-3 overtime showdown to the Utah Mammoth after Logan Cooley nets a hat trick, including a game‑tying goal with one second left in regulation. On the bright side, Pittsburgh activates forward Ben Kindel and defenseman Samuel Girard from injured reserve, and veteran Kris Letang shows signs of resurgence, tallying six assists despite no goals. Meanwhile, the NHL sees Dylan Larkin suspended by Detroit for seeking a trade and Brock Faber cleared to skate after skull surgery. New Trac Optics goggles are also being adopted by nearly 20 goalies across seven teams.
Penguins/Mammoth Recap: Cooley’s hat trick helps Utah beat Pens again
Logan Cooley delivers a dramatic hat trick as Utah Mammoth edges out the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in overtime on October 29, 2026. Cooley scores early, extends the lead to 2-0, and caps his performance with a last‑second goal after the Pens tied it 3-3 on Ben Kindel’s late winner. Penguins returned key players like Evgeni Malkin and Sam Girard, and Erik Karlsson scored a power‑play goal, but defensive lapses and a penalty proved costly. Utah’s Sebastian Cossa guards the net, while Arturs Silovs makes key saves for Pittsburgh. The win gives Utah a crucial regulation point and a morale boost after the previous week's loss.
Gamethread: Mammoth @ Penguins
Talk about the game with Pens fans here!
Kris Letang might still have some game left
Despite a downtrend in offensive output, veteran defenseman Kris Letang is showing promising defensive form early in the 2026‑27 season. In 198 minutes of 5‑on‑5 play he’s helped the Penguins allow just four goals, with a 1.96 xGA/60 – the lowest among team defensemen and 11th league‑wide. His on‑ice save percentage tops .940 and his limited 20‑minute shifts (the fewest since his rookie year) appear to suit him, especially when paired with teammates other than Trevor van Riemsdyk. While the small sample size calls for caution, Letang’s adjusted role could extend his impact for Pittsburgh.
Game Preview: Utah Mammoth @ Pittsburgh Penguins 10/29/2026
The Utah Mammoth (8-5-0, 2nd in the Central) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-6-1, 6th in the Metropolitan) at 7 p.m. ET on Oct. 29, 2026. Both teams are scrambling for points: the Mammoth come off a 3-1 loss to Minnesota and aim to rebound after a shaky power play (34.8% success) and a league‑worst .866 save percentage from goalies Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa. Pittsburgh, dealing with week‑to‑week defenseman John Marino and a backup‑ready Liam O’Brien, hopes to even the season series after a recent 1-0 defeat. Key players to watch are Mikhail Sergachev, who leads Utah in points and is on a five‑game streak, and Penguins forward Nick Schmaltz, tied for second in league power‑play goals. The game streams on ESPN+ and airs locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points: Mammoth Sighting
The Pittsburgh Penguins return to action after a four‑day break, facing the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center on October 19, 2026, with a 7 PM Sportsnet Pittsburgh broadcast. The article notes the Penguins’ recent 11‑day loss to the Mammoth, roster moves—including Justin Brazeau’s activation from IR, Elmer Soderblom’s placement there, and the return of prospects—and trade chatter surrounding winger Rickard Rakell. Injuries to Sam Girard and Ben Kindel are addressed, while teammates celebrate Halloween in costume. The piece also highlights Semyon Varlamov’s first win since November 2024 and looming NHL salary growth projected at $113.5 million next season.
National rumors persist about Rickard Rakell
Veteran winger Rickard Rakell (33, $5 M cap hit, contract through 2028) reappears on national trade chatter as the NHL enters its fifth week. Analysts Frank Seravalli, Nick Kypreos and Chris Johnston list him among the top 20 "Big Board" names, noting his 29‑goal‑per‑82‑game pace over four seasons but a sluggish start for both player and Penguins. Reports suggest Pittsburgh has wanted to move Rakell since summer, with rumors of Ottawa’s 25th‑overall pick potentially tied to a roster swap. Alongside Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson, Rakell remains a key target as the Penguins consider a younger rebuild.
October Penguins prospect update
The Penguins’ prospect pool gets a mid‑season check as the 2026‑27 campaigns unfold worldwide. Standout Carter Sanderson, a 2025 sixth‑round pick, leads the WHL with 15 goals in 11 games (21 points) and eyes a World Junior roster, while committing to the University of North Dakota for 2027‑28. Returning from injury, Joona Vaisanen posts 7 points in five games for Western Michigan, aiming to reclaim his defensive form. The update also recaps the Top‑25 Under‑25 list, noting modest AHL stats for Chase Pietila, a freshman year for Ryan Miller at Denver, and early production from Finn Harding, Peyton Kettles, Zam Plante, Brady Peddle, and Melvin Fernstrom.
Pens Points: Kindel returns to practice
Ben Kindel is back in full-contact practice, returning a week after a vasovagal episode on the team plane that forced an emergency landing in Salt Lake City. The 19‑year‑old forward missed two games but says he feels good and is focused on moving forward. Meanwhile, rookie Ville Koivunen shows renewed confidence and chemistry with Hendrix Lapierre, aiming to translate his AHL success into the NHL after signing an eight‑year, $32 million deal. Forward Elmer Soderblom remains day‑to‑day with an undisclosed upper‑body injury as Pittsburgh prepares to host the Utah Mammoth Thursday.
Ben Kindel returns to practice a week after vasovagal episode
Ben Kindel returns to Penguins practice a week after a vasovagal episode on the team plane, skating alongside teammates Justin Brazeau, Egor Chinakhov, Evgeni Malkin and Sam Girard (who wore a no‑contact jersey). While Kindel and others practiced Tuesday, forward Elmer Soderblom is now day‑to‑day with an undisclosed upper‑body injury, joining Bryan Rust, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Ryan Graves on the injured list. The Penguins, on a brief schedule lull, will host Utah Thursday, aiming to solidify lineups after 12 games early this season.
Ville Koivunen might be figuring it out for the Penguins
Ville Koivunen, the Penguins’ controversial rookie who signed an eight‑year, $32 million deal, appears to be finally translating his AHL success to the NHL. In the past five games he’s tallied three points, including an overtime winner against Florida, putting him on a projected 40‑point pace. His on‑ice presence coincides with Pittsburgh out‑scoring opponents and dominating expected‑goals metrics, while his chemistry with Hendrix Lapierre has produced a 5‑0 advantage in 45 minutes of 5‑on‑5 play. More confident and engaged than last season, Koivunen’s vision and playmaking may justify the hefty contract in today’s cap‑tight environment.
The difference in a season: Comparing rosters from one year ago
On October 27, 2025 the Penguins beat the Blues 6-3, boosting their record to 7‑2‑1. A look back at that game shows a roster that’s shifted dramatically, especially on defense—four of six defensemen from that night are gone, prompting questions about how Pittsburgh will replace Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang. Forward lines remain largely unchanged, with Crosby and Malkin still leading, though Malkin now plays wing and has slipped from 16 points in ten games last season to 9 points in twelve this year. Meanwhile, veterans Rust and Rakell have seen a points drop, and Karlsson’s production has shifted from nine assists to a goal and 11 assists. The piece also notes Crosby’s 1,700th NHL point milestone.
Pens Points: Needed Rest
The Pittsburgh Penguins get a welcome break after a spate of injuries, enjoying four days off before their next games on Thursday. With key players like Rickard Rakell struggling—only two goals in 12 games—the extra rest could be crucial, and the team may add fresh bodies, including defenseman Chase Pietila, who is poised for his NHL debut. Meanwhile, league news notes Leon Draisaitl earning the NHL First Star of the Week and Connor Hellebuyck’s trade to New Jersey, but the focus remains on the Penguins’ recovery and upcoming roster shake‑ups.
The week ahead: Penguins get much-needed schedule rest, and some potential returns
The Penguins head into a rare four‑day rest before a home rematch with Utah, who boast the league’s top power play (38.1%) and rank sixth in goals per game (3.83). After two solid back‑to‑back wins over Florida and Nashville, the team looks to build momentum against a fast Utah squad on Thursday, then travel to Montreal for a second showdown with the Canadiens—who are missing star center Nick Suzuki and have gone 5‑1‑1 recently. The schedule stays brutal with upcoming games versus Vegas and Boston, but key players like Evgeni Malkin, Egor Chinakhov and Justin Brazeau are expected back, prompting roster tweaks that could affect line combinations. This rest period may be pivotal for Pittsburgh’s early‑season push.
The Penguins saw the old Rickard Rakell on Saturday. They need that guy back
The Penguins rallied from a 2-1 deficit on Saturday, October 24, when Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson set up Rickard Rakell for a tying goal that sparked an overtime win. Rakell, who recorded his second goal of the season—a 12‑game drought—has logged 30 shots, leading the team, and continues to generate high-quality 5‑v5 chances despite a slow start. With Bryan Rust sidelined for six weeks, the Penguins’ early‑season fortunes hinge on Rakell’s ability to convert his abundant opportunities into goals, a trend that could boost the first line, power play, and overall performance.
Pens Points: Brazeau inching closer to return
The latest Pens Points note that forward Justin Brazeau is edging closer to a comeback after a lower-body injury that sidelined him since the preseason. Meanwhile, Hendrix Lapierre thrives on a line with Ville Koivunen and Evgeni Malkin, while Rickard Rakell vows to boost his scoring after a slow start, with GM Kyle Dubas confident in his chemistry alongside Sidney Crosby on the power play. League news includes the Rangers signing veteran goalie James Reimer following Igor Shesterkin’s season‑ending injury, the Hurricanes’ pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck, and Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes hinting at upcoming contract talks.
Sunday Standings: Devils make their move
The New Jersey Devils make a splash in the Metropolitan Division by acquiring elite goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg, bolstering a roster already packed with top prospects and first‑round picks. The trade puts the Devils alongside Ilya Sorokin, Logan Thompson and the sidelined Igor Shesterkin as the division’s goalie elite, and they ride a perfect 3‑0‑0 week. The recap also notes the Hurricanes’ 4‑0 shutout of St. Louis, the Rangers’ defensive woes, the Capitals battling illnesses, and other Metro teams’ recent results as the standings shift.
Penguins/Predators Recap: Pens make comeback, win 3-2 in OT
The Pittsburgh Penguins rally from a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime on Oct. 24, 2026. Evgeni Malkin misses his first game, prompting Avery Hayes to step in, while Arturs Silovs starts in net. Nashville scores early, but Connor Dewar ties it at 1-1 in the second period. The Predators regain the lead before Sidney Rakell forces a 2-1 comeback with a one‑timer off Saros’ pad with 1:06 left. In overtime, Ville Koivunen curls a wrist shot past Saros to clinch the win. Saros makes 24 saves, but the Pens improve to 5-6-1 on the season.
Gamethread: Predators @ Penguins
PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 1: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators and Danton Heinen #43 of the Pittsburgh Penguins battle for the loose puck at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 1, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images Talk about the game with Pens fans here!
Game Preview: Nashville Predators @ Pittsburgh Penguins 10/24/2026
The Nashville Predators (3‑3‑3, 7th Central) face the Pittsburgh Penguins (4‑6‑1, 6th Metropolitan) at 7 p.m. ET on Oct. 24, with the game on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and streaming on ESPN+. After a rough 6‑0 shootout loss to Boston and a 1‑2‑2 slump, Nashville hopes to rebound, while the Penguins ride a nine‑game point streak against the Predators (7‑0‑2 since April 2022). Key storylines include goaltender Juuse Saros returning after a shutout loss, veteran cores of Steven Stamkos, Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg under trade‑rumor pressure, and the Penguins' need to stay disciplined on the power play where they rank 4th in the league. A rematch is set for Nov. 21 in Nashville.
Malkin, Chinakhov out for practice as Penguins work in blue gear
Evgeni Malkin sits out practice with an illness and rookie forward Egor Chinakhov misses due to a lower‑body injury, prompting buzz on social media. The Penguins used the session to debut their new blue “Hometown Remix” gear—powder‑blue stripes and dark helmets—ahead of the November 3 home game versus Vegas. The alternate jerseys, a nod to the team’s 1967‑68 inaugural crest and the franchise’s 60th anniversary, will appear ten times this season. Fans can expect the first blue look since 2013 at the upcoming game.
Latest insider trading touches on Penguins rumor mill
The Pittsburgh Penguins' sluggish start to the 2026-27 season has reignited trade whispers, with TSN Insider Trading’s Darren Dreger reporting GM Kyle Dubas may be eyeing veteran forwards Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell for moves. Dreger adds Dubas is operating under a “cash‑strict budget” beyond the NHL salary cap, a fact known league‑wide. New owners, the Hoffman family, pledged full support at the June press conference, yet the financial constraints suggest a possible roster shake‑up. While Karlsson and Letang face free agency and no‑trade clauses, Rust’s injury history and Rakell’s age raise questions about their trade value.
Pens Points: Penguins give updates on Kindel, Rust
The Penguins break a four‑game skid with a 4‑0 shutout of the Florida Panthers, but injuries loom. GM Kyle Dubas says forward Ben Kindel suffered a vasovagal episode and may return to activity next week after tests. Forward Bryan Rust lands on injured reserve with a lower‑body injury; he’ll be re‑evaluated in six weeks after posting five points in seven games. The club recalls RW Rutger McGroarty and D Chase Pietila from Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton to fill the gaps. Meanwhile, the NHL sees fines for Nick Cousins and Matthew Tkachuk, Ron Duguay’s death, Auston Matthews’ resurgence, and Nick Suzuki’s 2–4‑week injury layoff.
Penguins/Panthers Recap: Pens show full control, end losing streak with 4-0 win
The Pittsburgh Penguins snap their losing streak with a dominant 4‑0 victory over the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena on Oct. 22, 2026. Despite missing Bryan Rust, Ben Kindel and Egor Chinakhov, the Pens lean on newcomers Elmer Soderblom, Hendrix Lapierre and Rutger McGroarty, while goaltender Arturs Silovs records a strong debut. Nick Robertson opens the scoring, followed by Lapierre’s power‑play goal and two late strikes from the depth line to seal the win. Florida’s rookie 6‑9″ net‑minder Cooper Black makes his NHL debut, but the Panthers are shut out as the Penguins control possession and finish with 17‑15 shots. The win ends the Pens’ skid and puts them 1‑1 on the season.
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