The Pittsburgh Penguins needed a response-and they delivered one with authority.
From chasing Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson early to Blake Lizotte setting the tone physically with a big hit on Denver Barkey and a spirited third-period scrap with Matvei Michkov, this was a game that showed the Penguins weren’t just looking for two points-they were out to make a statement. And with a 6-goal outburst, they did just that.
Back in the Metro Mix
With the win on January 16, the Penguins clawed their way back into third place in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division. It’s a division where every point matters, and with a daunting Western Canada road trip looming-a stretch that hasn’t been kind to Pittsburgh in recent seasons-this game carried a bit more weight. Simply put, the Penguins couldn’t afford to let this one slip.
They didn’t.
After struggling through a three-game losing streak and some serious scoring woes, Pittsburgh’s offense finally came alive. Six goals, contributions from all over the lineup, and a performance that offered a much-needed jolt of confidence to a team that had been searching for answers.
Fourth Line Firepower
The Penguins’ fourth line has been quietly building an identity all season, and on this night, they didn’t just play solid minutes-they drove the bus. Following Blake Lizotte’s recent contract extension, that group responded with two massive goals from Connor Dewar and Noel Acciari.
This isn’t just a line that eats up minutes. It’s a line that Head Coach Dan Muse trusts in critical situations-penalty kills, defensive zone draws, and momentum-shifting shifts. Dewar and Acciari have carved out roles as energy guys who can also finish when given the chance, and their play continues to give the Penguins a competitive edge deeper down the lineup.
Skinner Holds the Fort
Stuart Skinner continues to settle in nicely with his new team. The goaltender picked up his fourth straight win, stopping 31 of 34 shots and finishing with a .912 save percentage. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
After the Penguins jumped out to a 3-0 lead, the Flyers didn’t go quietly. They pushed hard in the second period, cutting the deficit to 3-1 and generating sustained pressure.
That’s when Skinner stepped up. Calm, composed, and dialed in, he weathered the storm and gave Pittsburgh the stability it needed until the offense found its rhythm again in the third.
It wasn’t just a win-it was a performance that showed Skinner can be counted on when things get chaotic.
Power Play Punching Above Its Weight
Pittsburgh’s power play has been one of the most dangerous in the NHL this season, and it showed why once again. The Penguins went 3-for-4 with the man advantage, moving the puck crisply, finding open lanes, and creating high-quality looks.
Sidney Crosby, now 38 and still playing like he’s in his prime, capped off one of those power plays with his 25th goal of the season. The spacing was better, the puck movement sharper, and the intent clear: this unit isn’t just trying to score-it’s expecting to.
When the Penguins’ power play is clicking like this, it’s a difference-maker. And it was again on Thursday night.
Next Up: Columbus
Before they pack their bags for the Western Canada road trip, the Penguins have one more piece of business to handle: a Saturday night showdown with the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’ll be the final meeting between the two this season, and with the standings as tight as they are, don’t expect Pittsburgh to take its foot off the gas.
If Thursday night was any indication, this team is starting to find its stride-and just in time.