The Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t expected to be a major player in the Eastern Conference this season-but here we are. With Sidney Crosby still performing at an elite level deep into his 30s, the Penguins have surged into second place in the Metropolitan Division and are making a legitimate case to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline.
Penguins Finding Their Groove
At 25-14-11, Pittsburgh has found a winning formula. They’ve outscored opponents 166-150 and are riding a 4-0-1 stretch that’s got the rest of the division watching closely.
What’s been especially impressive is their ability to win on the road-they’re 14-7-4 away from PPG Paints Arena, showing the kind of resilience and focus that travels well in the postseason. Home ice has been a little less dominant (11-7-7), but the Penguins are banking points and staying in the thick of the playoff race.
What’s changed from last year? Depth scoring.
This isn’t just the Crosby-and-Malkin show anymore. The Penguins are getting meaningful contributions from throughout the lineup.
Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, in particular, have stepped up in a big way. The two forwards have combined for 60 points and brought a much-needed spark to the secondary scoring group.
They’ve helped balance out a team that, while not quite an offensive juggernaut, is finding ways to get goals from more than just its top line.
The Goaltending Tandem: Steady and Solid
Another key to Pittsburgh’s success has been in net. Stuart Skinner, acquired from Edmonton, has quietly been one of the more reliable goaltending additions this season.
He’s 6-4 since joining the Penguins, with a .902 save percentage and a tidy 2.34 goals-against average. He’s also 4-1 in his last five starts-exactly the kind of form you want from your No. 1 as the stretch run approaches.
Backing him up is Arturs Silovs, who’s been steady in his role. With a 9-6 record, a .892 save percentage, and a 3.00 GAA, he’s giving the Penguins enough to stay competitive when he’s called upon. Neither netminder is stealing headlines, but together they’re giving Pittsburgh a dependable backstop tandem-something that was far from guaranteed at the start of the season.
Deadline Decisions Loom
With the trade deadline approaching, GM Kyle Dubas has some intriguing decisions to make. The core group-Crosby, Malkin, Mantha, Brazeau, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson-is carrying the offensive load, but there’s no question the bottom six forwards and bottom four defensemen could use a boost. That’s where Dubas may look to upgrade.
The good news? Pittsburgh has flexibility.
The team is projected to have $26.7 million in cap space, giving them room to maneuver. And they’ve got assets to work with.
Several players on expiring contracts-Evgeni Malkin, Noel Acciari, Mantha, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Brett Kulak, Ryan Shea, and even Skinner-could be moved as part of a larger package if the right opportunity presents itself.
Skinner’s name is particularly interesting. He’s playing well and could be a long-term fit in Pittsburgh, but if Dubas sees a bigger deal on the table, he may have to weigh the value of keeping Skinner versus flipping him for a more immediate impact.
Prospects like Rutger McGroarty, Owen Pickering, and Joel Blomqvist could also factor into the deadline equation. While the Penguins may prefer to hold onto their young talent, Dubas has shown in the past he’s not afraid to make bold moves if it means improving the team’s playoff chances.
Eyes on the Postseason
The Penguins are in a strong position-not just in the standings, but in terms of roster flexibility and trade capital. Crosby’s presence alone makes Pittsburgh an attractive destination for players looking to make a deep playoff run, and Dubas has a history of being aggressive when his team is in the hunt.
There are proven, playoff-tested players available on the market, and the Penguins have the means to land one or two without gutting their future. The question isn’t whether Dubas will make a move-it’s what kind of move he’s willing to make, and how much he’s willing to give up to get it.
With the team clicking, the goaltending stabilizing, and Crosby still playing like a man chasing another Cup, Pittsburgh has every reason to go for it. The deadline is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for a Penguins team that’s already exceeded expectations-and may just be getting started.