Pittsburgh Penguins Focus on Playoff Run
PITTSBURGH, PA – As the NHL gears up to continue the 2025-26 season following the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Pittsburgh Penguins are intensifying their focus on making a successful playoff run. With the upcoming games, a major concern looms: the availability of their captain, Sidney Crosby. Unfortunately, Crosby’s absence from crucial semifinal and final matches during the Olympic tournament raises doubts about his health. Experts speculate that his inability to participate indicates he may not be ready to join the team as they resume their schedule this week.
Upcoming Games and Player Updates
While fans await news on Crosby’s status, the Penguins appear poised to call up Avery Hayes, whose impressive debut included scoring two goals. Hayes has continued to demonstrate his scoring ability in the American Hockey League, solidifying his case for another shot in the NHL as Pittsburgh aims to bolster its forward lineup.
This week marks a challenging yet potentially rewarding time for the Penguins as they take to the ice for three games after a prolonged break. Like all NHL teams, they’ll need to shake off any off-season rust accumulated from the three-week hiatus—complicated for some players who just came off intense international competition.
Matchups This Week
Pittsburgh’s week kicks off against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday evening, who are not only coming off a back-to-back game with the Buffalo Sabres but also struggling with a dismal record this season. Despite their roster featuring standout talents, the Devils find themselves sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and have recently lost five of six games before the Olympic break. The Penguins have seen mixed results against New Jersey this season, with both teams winning one game each in their previous encounters.
Following the Wednesday matchup, the Penguins face the New York Rangers, who currently languish as the worst team in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers have begun parting with key players, including trading defenseman Carson Soucy and star winger Artemi Panarin, which further complicates their ability to compete. Pittsburgh has triumphed in two of their three previous meetings against New York, and this matchup presents an opportunity for the Penguins to capitalize on the Rangers’ turmoil.
Wrapping up the week, the Penguins will host the Vegas Golden Knights. While Vegas has yet to reach its full potential this season and holds a solid position in the Pacific Division, recent inconsistencies in their goaltending may present a chance for Pittsburgh to claim a win, particularly as the Penguins will be playing for the second consecutive day after travel.
Playoff Aspirations
As the week unfolds, the Penguins find themselves in a favorable position in the playoff race, sitting well within reach of securing the necessary points to solidify their postseason aspirations. Regardless of Crosby’s participation during the upcoming games, accumulating at least four points in the standings should be the team’s goal to maintain momentum in the competitive league.
