Penguins Surge, Playoff Odds Climb, and NHL Trade Rumors Swirl
The Pittsburgh Penguins are heating up at just the right time. With five straight wins and points in eight consecutive games, they’ve now earned points in 14 of their last 16 contests-12 of those being wins.
That kind of stretch doesn’t just look good in the standings; it sends a message. After a rough start Thursday night, Pittsburgh flipped the switch and dominated the final two periods against the Chicago Blackhawks, flexing both their offensive depth and defensive structure.
It was a statement win, and one that’s starting to shift the playoff picture in a big way.
According to Moneypuck.com, the Penguins’ playoff chances have surged to 84.6%. That’s a massive leap considering where they sat earlier this season.
The Washington Capitals are now the team closest to knocking them out of a spot-but they’re six points back, and Pittsburgh holds three games in hand. That’s a steep hill to climb.
To put it in perspective: if the Penguins simply go .500 the rest of the way-30 points in their final 30 games-they’d likely clinch. The Capitals would need a 15-6-6 finish over their remaining 27 games just to keep pace. That’s not impossible, but it’s a tall order.
Thursday’s win wasn’t just about numbers, though. It was about belief.
The Penguins looked like a team that’s starting to click, and that’s reflected in how they’re playing. The second and third periods against Chicago were all Pittsburgh-tight defensively, creative offensively, and confident in execution.
Player News: Roster Moves and Injury Updates
The Penguins made a few key roster moves before Thursday’s game. Rookie forward Rutger McGroarty was recalled to fill in for Bryan Rust, who’s expected to miss three games. McGroarty’s call-up gave fans a glimpse of the team’s future, and head coach Dan Muse spoke highly of the young forward’s energy and preparation.
Meanwhile, defenseman Jack St. Ivany received some tough injury news, putting a damper on an otherwise upbeat night.
And in goal, Ilya Samsonov made his debut in the Penguins’ crease. We spoke with him after the game, and he seemed locked in, grateful for the opportunity, and ready to contribute down the stretch.
Around the NHL: Capitals Win Wild One, Panarin Rumors Heat Up
Elsewhere in the league, the Washington Capitals pulled off a chaotic shootout win. Goalie Charlie Lindgren stayed in the game despite suffering an injury at the end of overtime.
With backup Logan Thompson unavailable, Lindgren gutted it out for the shootout-and won when Dylan Larkin hit the crossbar. After the win, his teammates literally carried him off the ice in a scene that felt more like a Hollywood script than an NHL game.
On the trade front, things are starting to bubble. Artemi Panarin’s name is back in the rumor mill, and the San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested. That’s a bit of a surprise given their rebuild, but there’s mutual interest, and Panarin would certainly bring some star power to a team trying to find its identity.
In Calgary, Nazem Kadri appears to be softening his stance on a potential trade. The veteran center is reportedly open to a move, which could shake up the market as we get closer to the deadline.
And in Columbus, the Blue Jackets are fielding plenty of calls on center Charlie Coyle. Nothing is imminent, but the phones are ringing.
Injury Watch: Jack Hughes Sidelined Again
In New Jersey, the Devils got a mixed bag Thursday night. They pulled out an overtime win to stay in the playoff hunt, but they lost star center Jack Hughes-again-to injury.
It’s a tough blow for a team that’s already been battling inconsistency this season. Hughes is the engine of that offense, and every game he misses makes their climb a little steeper.
Elsewhere Around the League
- The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped another one, this time to the Seattle Kraken. They now sit 10 points out of a playoff spot, and while no one’s waving the white flag publicly, the writing’s on the wall.
The mood around the team is grim, and changes could be on the horizon.
- Sportsnet’s Rory Boylen took a look at how seven early-season trades have panned out so far. One of the most interesting names?
Egor Chinakhov, who’s now with the Penguins and starting to find his footing.
As the trade deadline inches closer, playoff races tighten and injuries mount, the NHL landscape is shifting fast. But if Thursday night was any indication, the Penguins are finding their stride-and they’re not just trying to sneak into the postseason. They’re starting to look like a team nobody wants to face when they get there.