The Pittsburgh Penguins are rolling-and not just by the eye test. With the fifth-best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference and the third-best goal differential, they’ve put together a resume that screams playoff-caliber hockey.
As the NHL season pauses for the Milan Winter Olympics, the Penguins have played 56 games and sit with an 85.5% chance to make the postseason. In short: they’re not just surviving-they’re thriving.
A Surge at the Right Time
Let’s start with the recent heater. Pittsburgh heads into the Olympic break riding a 13-3-3 run, the kind of stretch that separates contenders from pretenders.
And while the Columbus Blue Jackets have matched that energy-winning 11 of their last 12-the Penguins hold a crucial five-point edge over them in the standings. That cushion matters.
It gives Pittsburgh breathing room as the playoff race tightens, and even positions them to challenge Atlantic Division teams for a potential wild-card spot, should things get dicey in their own division.
This isn’t a team catching lightning in a bottle. The Penguins have been tested.
Their season included a brutal 10-game winless streak, but even then, they weren’t getting steamrolled. They led after 50 minutes in four of those games and picked up at least a point in five.
It wasn’t about effort-it was about execution. They were playing not to lose, and it showed.
But then came the shift. Inside the locker room, the tone changed.
The Penguins didn’t panic-they got mad. And that anger turned into resolve.
Since then, they’ve played with purpose, closing out games and tightening up late in third periods. They had a hiccup against the Islanders just before the break, but bounced back two nights later by locking down the Sabres.
That’s growth. That’s maturity.
Coaching That Connects
Credit where it’s due-this turnaround didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Penguins’ coaching staff deserves a serious nod. From head coach Dan Muse to assistants like Todd Nelson, Mike Stothers, and goalie coach Andy Chiodo, there’s been a consistent message: positivity with purpose.
This isn’t empty locker-room hype. It’s about building a culture where players feel empowered to grow.
And it’s working. The Penguins have become a place where players looking for a second chance-or just a bigger opportunity-can thrive.
Ryan Shea, Parker Wotherspoon, and Connor Dewar are just a few names having career years under this new regime.
Muse, in particular, has emerged as a difference-maker. He’s a hockey lifer, the kind of coach who lives at the rink and sweats the details.
Players have taken notice. Some have spoken publicly, others privately, about the impact Muse has had-not just on systems, but on confidence and consistency.
That kind of influence doesn’t show up on a stat sheet, but it shows up in the standings.
Malkin’s Renaissance
Then there’s Evgeni Malkin. At 39, most expected him to be a complementary piece, maybe even a liability on the backcheck.
Instead, he’s turned back the clock. In 41 games, he’s racked up 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists), and he’s doing it at both ends of the ice.
Before Egor Chinakhov even arrived, Malkin had already rediscovered his stride-literally. He’s skating with power again, and it’s made a difference.
Early in the season, his line with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau raised eyebrows. On paper, it lacked speed and physicality.
On the ice, it produced goals. Lots of them.
Injuries have been the only thing capable of slowing Malkin down this season.
Defense That Doesn’t Break
Let’s be honest-defensive structure hasn’t exactly been the Penguins’ calling card in recent years. There were times when their blue line looked more like a suggestion than a system.
But this year? It’s a different story.
Pittsburgh ranks 10th in goals allowed, a testament to both improved structure and individual performances. Erik Karlsson has been unleashed offensively, but he’s also benefitting from a more stable unit around him. Ryan Shea and Parker Wotherspoon have stepped up in a big way, helping turn what could’ve been a glaring weakness into a legitimate strength.
The numbers back it up: the Penguins rank ninth in percentage of points from defensemen. That’s not just a bonus-it’s a sign of a blue line that’s engaged in all three zones. For a team that’s had to grind out wins, that kind of two-way contribution is invaluable.
Meet Big Moe
And finally, there’s Anthony Mantha-nicknamed “Moe”-who’s quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career. He’s hit the 20-goal mark and done it with consistency, regardless of who’s centering his line.
Mantha’s always had the size and shot to be a threat, but this year, he’s moving better, playing smarter, and contributing on both sides of the puck. Coach Muse summed it up well: “For a guy his size, he’s able to be a real threat, whether it’s off the rush or in zone. He’s also moving really well.”
That evolution has added another layer to Pittsburgh’s attack-one that makes them even tougher to defend.
Bottom line: The Penguins aren’t just winning games-they’re building something sustainable. They’ve weathered adversity, found their identity, and are getting contributions up and down the lineup. With leadership from veterans like Malkin, a rejuvenated coaching staff, and emerging depth across the board, Pittsburgh enters the Olympic break not just in playoff position, but looking like a team that could make some real noise when the games matter most.