With the 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up, the NHL is back in action, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for a crucial playoff push. All eyes are on Sidney Crosby, whose injury in the Olympic quarterfinals has left fans anxious.
Missing both the semifinal and gold medal games suggests Crosby might not be ready to hit the ice just yet. His return is crucial, and the team will be eagerly awaiting an update on his condition.
In the meantime, Avery Hayes looks poised for a return to the Penguins' lineup. After impressing with two goals in his NHL debut and continuing to light up the AHL, Hayes' promotion seems well-deserved. His development is a bright spot for Pittsburgh, adding depth to their forward lines.
As the NHL resumes, teams will be shaking off the rust from a three-week hiatus. The Penguins face three games this week, starting with a matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
The Devils, fresh off a tough stretch before the break, will be on the second half of a back-to-back, giving Pittsburgh a potential edge. Despite their talent, the Devils have struggled this season, holding the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
The Penguins have split their season series with New Jersey, making this game a pivotal clash.
Next up, the Penguins face the New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon. The Rangers, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, have started offloading key players like Carson Soucy and Artemi Panarin.
With the trade deadline approaching, more moves could be in the works. Even before the sell-off, the Rangers relied heavily on goalie Igor Shesterkin.
Pittsburgh has taken two of three games against them this season, including a shutout win at Madison Square Garden.
The week wraps up with a challenging back-to-back against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. While Vegas hasn't quite lived up to expectations, they're still a formidable team in the Pacific Division.
The Penguins will face them on short rest, adding to the difficulty. However, Vegas' goaltending woes could provide an opening for Pittsburgh to capitalize.
The Penguins are in a solid spot in the playoff race, needing about 14 more wins to secure a spot. Whether or not Crosby suits up, the expectation is for Pittsburgh to snag at least four points this week, keeping their postseason aspirations on track.