Penguins Power Through Calgary, Climb to Second in Metro: What We Learned and What’s Next
CALGARY, Alberta - Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are heating up at just the right time. With their second straight win over a Western Conference opponent, the Pens have climbed into second place in the Metropolitan Division - a position few would’ve predicted back in August.
But here they are, grinding out wins against teams that want to slow things down and play the kind of low-event hockey that usually frustrates Pittsburgh’s high-skill core. Not this time.
Tuesday night’s win over the Flames wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. The Penguins didn’t dominate the puck or light up the scoreboard, but they did enough in all three zones to leave the Saddledome with two points. And in a tight Metro race, every point matters.
Solovyov Joins the Fold
One of the more intriguing storylines from this trip north of the border? The arrival of defenseman Ilya Solovyov.
He’s not a household name - yet - but he’s got size, a physical edge, and a pretty wild story from the day of the trade. Solovyov found himself in limbo on Tuesday, unsure where he was headed until the deal was finalized.
Now, he’s looking to carve out a role on a blue line that’s been searching for stability beyond its top pair.
Solovyov’s addition came at the cost of Valtteri Puustinen, a promising forward prospect, but Penguins president Kyle Dubas made it clear on his radio appearance that the team sees real value in what Solovyov brings. Dubas emphasized the organization’s internal tracking and pro scouting reports that led to the move - and made no bones about the fact that they believe Solovyov can help right now.
Penguins Keep Climbing
Let’s be honest - if someone told you before the season that the Penguins would be sitting in second place in the Metro after 49 games, you probably wouldn’t have bought it. The team came into the year with questions about age, depth, and whether the core could still carry the load. But lately, they’ve found a formula that works: strong goaltending, responsible defensive play, and just enough offensive punch to get the job done.
The win in Calgary wasn’t a highlight-reel affair, but it showcased the kind of maturity and structure this team has been striving for all season. And the mood in the locker room postgame reflected that - a group that knows it’s playing better, but also recognizes there’s still work to do.
Around the League: Trade Winds and Goalie Surges
The Penguins weren’t the only ones making noise in Alberta. Calgary, after dropping another home game, is reportedly open for business on the trade market.
One name to keep an eye on: Nazem Kadri. The veteran center is in year one of a long-term deal, but with the Flames in flux, both sides are reportedly discussing whether a change of scenery makes sense.
At 35, Kadri still brings value, but the clock is ticking.
Meanwhile, up the road in Edmonton, the Oilers might finally have found the goaltending they’ve been searching for - and yes, that includes recent performances from former Penguin Tristan Jarry. If Jarry can keep this level of play up, it changes the complexion of the Oilers’ season entirely.
Seattle is another team to watch. The Kraken are toeing the line between playoff hopeful and deadline seller, and big defenseman Jamie Oleksiak is reportedly available. A reunion with the Penguins seems unlikely, but he could be a fit for a team looking to bulk up for the postseason.
Over in Washington, the Capitals are reportedly in “go big or go home” mode. They’re making calls and looking for top-six help, signaling that they’re not content to fade quietly this season.
Metro Mayhem: Flyers Collapse, Devils Spiral
Back in the Metro, the Flyers let a 4-2 lead slip away in overtime against the Utah Mammoth, and the reaction was swift - and not exactly warm. It’s the kind of loss that stings deeper than the standings suggest, especially for a team trying to prove it belongs in the playoff conversation.
And then there’s New Jersey. The Devils, once considered a lock for the top three in the division, are unraveling.
Injuries have hit hard - first Jack Hughes, now Luke Hughes - and the team is struggling to stay afloat. What was once a promising season is starting to look like a salvage job.
Next Stop: Edmonton
The Penguins are rolling into Edmonton with momentum and a bit of swagger. They’ve handled two tough Western road games already and are showing signs of a team that’s finding its identity at the right time. With Solovyov in the mix and Dubas not afraid to make moves, Pittsburgh’s front office is clearly all-in on this group.
The road trip continues, but the message is clear: the Penguins aren’t just surviving - they’re starting to thrive.