Penguins Heating Up at the Right Time as Playoff Push Intensifies
As we roll into the final week of January, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making a strong case that they’re not just playoff hopefuls-they’re a team finding its rhythm at a crucial point in the season. Winners of four straight, the Penguins are riding a wave of momentum back into Pittsburgh, sitting at 26-14-11 and holding down second place in the Metropolitan Division.
With two home games on the slate this week-against the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers-the Penguins are looking to keep the good times rolling at PPG Paints Arena. Let’s break down what’s working for Pittsburgh, who’s stepping up, and what to watch for as they aim to extend their win streak to six.
Solid Between the Pipes
Goaltending has been a stabilizing force for the Penguins during this recent surge, thanks to the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Artūrs Šilovs. Both netminders have delivered timely saves and composure under pressure, giving Pittsburgh the kind of back-end reliability that can carry a team through tight games and playoff-style hockey.
That goaltending depth will be tested again this week. The Blackhawks may be in a rebuild, but they’ve found ways to generate offense lately-especially on the road.
Meanwhile, the Rangers bring a more established attack, and despite a recent skid away from home, they’re still a team that can punish defensive lapses. The Penguins will need their goalies locked in once again.
Closing Time: Finishing Games Strong
One of the biggest concerns for Pittsburgh earlier in the season was their inability to close out games. Third-period leads felt anything but safe.
But lately, that trend has started to shift. In their most recent win-a 3-2 nail-biter over the Vancouver Canucks-the Penguins did let the lead narrow late, but they held firm when it mattered most.
That kind of late-game execution is a promising sign. It’s not just about holding on-it’s about learning how to shut the door. And with the playoff race tightening, those details could be the difference between home-ice advantage and a wild-card scramble.
Offense Finds Its Groove
After a sluggish start to January, the Penguins’ offense has finally found its footing. The top of the lineup is producing, the defense is chipping in, and there’s a sense of flow and chemistry that wasn’t there just a few weeks ago.
Sidney Crosby continues to be the heartbeat of this team, delivering the kind of consistent, high-level play we’ve come to expect. Anthony Mantha has brought size and scoring touch, while Yegor Chinakhov-more on him in a minute-has added a jolt of energy and skill.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign? Rookie Benjamin Kindel snapped a 19-game goal drought against Vancouver.
The 2025 first-round pick had been pressing, but that goal could be the spark he needs to get going. If he starts contributing more regularly, Pittsburgh’s forward depth becomes even more dangerous.
Home Sweet Home
After sweeping a four-game road trip through Western Canada, the Penguins return to the friendly confines of PPG Paints Arena for two key matchups. They’ve been solid at home this season with an 11-7-7 record, and they’ll look to build on that against two teams trending in opposite directions on the road.
The Blackhawks have won four straight away from home, showing surprising resilience for a young squad. The Rangers, on the other hand, have stumbled on the road of late, dropping their last three. That sets the stage for Pittsburgh to take advantage of a favorable schedule-especially if they come out of the gate with energy and pace.
Chinakhov Making an Impact
Yegor Chinakhov’s arrival from Columbus has been a quiet but meaningful addition to the Penguins’ lineup. In just 13 games with Pittsburgh, he’s already eclipsed his point total from 29 games with the Blue Jackets earlier this season. That’s not just a change of scenery-it’s a player finding his stride in a system that suits his game.
Chinakhov has brought speed, creativity, and an aggressive mindset in the offensive zone. He’s not just fitting in-he’s thriving. And as the Penguins look to solidify their playoff position, his continued growth could be a major X-factor.
What’s Ahead: Week at a Glance
Here’s what the Penguins are staring down this week:
- Jan. 29 vs. Chicago Blackhawks - 7:00 p.m.
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Pittsburgh dominated the first meeting back in December with a 7-3 win.
They’ll look to replicate that effort at home.
- Jan. 31 vs. New York Rangers - 3:30 p.m.
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This will be the third meeting against former head coach Mike Sullivan’s squad.
The series is split 1-1 so far, and this one could have playoff seeding implications down the line.
The Bottom Line
The Penguins are trending in the right direction at a pivotal point in the season. They’re getting strong goaltending, timely scoring, and-perhaps most importantly-learning how to finish games. With the Winter Olympic break looming, this week offers a chance to bank more points, extend the win streak, and keep building momentum.
If they keep playing like this, Pittsburgh could be a team nobody wants to face come April.