Dan Muse’s Penguins Are Clicking - And It’s No Accident
When Dan Muse took over behind the Penguins’ bench last summer, he didn’t come in with a flashy promise or a bold proclamation about turning the team around overnight. What he did bring was a clear, grounded mission: help every player - from the future Hall of Famers to the fresh-faced rookies - reach their full potential right now.
Fast forward to the Olympic break, and Pittsburgh is sitting second in the Metropolitan Division with a healthy +23 goal differential, a top-five power play, and a penalty kill that ranks third in the league. That’s not just progress - that’s a team on a mission.
Muse didn’t lay out a new system or reinvent the wheel with Xs and Os. Instead, what he’s done is more nuanced - and arguably more impactful.
He’s built trust, found the right line combinations, and empowered players across the roster to thrive in their roles. The results?
They speak for themselves.
Let’s break it down.
Veteran Revival: Malkin, Letang, Karlsson & Rust
It’s not always easy for a rookie head coach to get buy-in from established stars, but Muse has struck a chord with Pittsburgh’s elite core.
Take Evgeni Malkin. He’s missed time due to injury - the Penguins are hoping the Olympic break gives his shoulder time to heal - but when he’s been on the ice, he’s looked like vintage Geno.
His 13 goals are already within striking distance of last season’s total (16), and his plus-13 rating is a massive turnaround from last year’s minus-24. He’s skating with energy, making plays, and even embraced a move from center to wing without hesitation.
That’s not just maturity - that’s a player thriving in a system that suits him.
Kris Letang, now 38, has had his ups and downs, but he’s cut down on the costly turnovers that sometimes came with his high-risk, high-reward style. Muse’s pairing of Letang with Brett Kulak has brought some much-needed balance to his game. Letang’s still jumping into the rush, but he’s picking his spots smarter - and it’s paying off.
Then there’s Erik Karlsson, who looked like a shell of his Norris Trophy-winning self in his first season and a half in Pittsburgh. Not anymore.
Karlsson’s confidence is back, and so is his impact. His plus-minus has climbed from minus-24 to plus-6, and a big part of that is Muse’s decision to pair him with Parker Wotherspoon - a move that started in training camp and has quietly become one of the team’s most effective defensive duos.
Bryan Rust deserves a shout here too. He’s long been a reliable top-line winger, but under Muse, he’s added another layer to his game.
Rust has become a key piece of the penalty kill, combining grit with speed and smarts. That kind of versatility is invaluable.
Youth Movement: Kindel Leading the Way
The Penguins haven’t just relied on their veterans. They’ve injected youth into the lineup - and Muse has managed that transition with a steady hand.
Ben Kindel is the standout. Drafted 11th overall last summer - a pick that raised some eyebrows at the time - the 18-year-old forward has quickly quieted any doubts.
He’s already a solid contributor at the NHL level, and his game seems to grow with each week. He’s not just surviving; he’s making an impact.
On the blue line, Jack St. Ivany was beginning to find his rhythm before an injury set him back. His development under Muse had shown real promise, and the hope is he’ll pick up where he left off once healthy.
Prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Harrison Brunicke haven’t made the same kind of leap yet, but there’s no sign of stagnation. Their growth is being managed, not rushed - a sign of a coach who understands the long game.
Goaltending: A New Era in Net
Goaltending has been a story of transition this season. Tristan Jarry never quite found his groove in Pittsburgh, and after his trade to Edmonton - where his struggles have continued - the Penguins handed the reins to Stuart Skinner. So far, it’s been a smooth fit.
Skinner’s settled in nicely, providing stability in net and giving the team a chance to win most nights. Behind him, rookie Arturs Silovs is showing signs of finding his game, too - shootouts aside. Muse kept Andy Chiodo on as goalie coach, and that continuity seems to be paying off.
The Tweeners: Career Years Across the Board
This is where Muse’s impact might be most visible. The so-called “tweener” group - players who’ve bounced around or struggled to find consistent roles - is thriving.
Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau are both using their size and scoring touch to make a real impact. Egor Chinakhov, a newer addition, brings burst and offensive upside.
Tommy Novak has emerged as a steady presence down the middle. And on the back end, Wotherspoon, Kulak, and Ryan Shea have all carved out reliable roles.
Then there’s the fourth line - Connor Dewar, Blake Lizzotte, and Noel Acciari - a group that brings energy, grit, and strong penalty killing. They’re not flashy, but they’re effective, and they’ve become a key part of the Penguins’ identity.
Even Ryan Graves, who never quite clicked under former coach Mike Sullivan, has found a version of his game that works. That’s no small feat.
The Outliers: A Few Misses, But Not Many
Not every player has flourished under Muse, of course. Ville Koivunen, who showed flashes late last season, hasn’t found his footing this year.
Same for Owen Pickering, who hasn’t taken the step forward many hoped for. Whether it’s growing pains or something else, the jury’s still out.
A few others - Phil Tomasino, Sam Poulin, and Joona Koppanen - didn’t fit into the new system and have since moved on. But in the big picture, that’s a short list compared to the number of players who’ve found success.
Bottom Line
Dan Muse didn’t arrive in Pittsburgh with a magic wand. What he brought was a clear philosophy: meet players where they are, push them to be better, and build a system that fits the roster - not the other way around. The result is a team that’s not just winning, but evolving.
From rejuvenated vets to emerging rookies, from reliable goaltending to a bottom six that’s pulling its weight, the Penguins are playing like a group that believes in its coach - and in each other.
They’re not just in the playoff hunt. They’re building something. And with Muse at the helm, it feels sustainable.