Pittsburgh Penguins’ Rollercoaster Start to the 2025-26 NHL Season
As the 2025-26 NHL season unfolds, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves facing a rollercoaster start. After an exciting beginning with wins against the New York Rangers and New York Islanders, the team stumbled against the Rangers a second time, followed by a loss to the Anaheim Ducks, even after showing promise. Their hopes for a solid 3-1 record were dashed when they allowed a lead to slip away during their California road outing on Tuesday night.
Players Needing Improvement
Within the squad, some players are stepping up, like forwards Justin Brazeau and veteran Evgeni Malkin, while others are grappling with form. Let’s delve into a few players who need to elevate their performances as the season progresses.
Tommy Novak
Having joined the Penguins late last season from the Nashville Predators, Novak’s impact was minimal due to an injury incurred during a matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. This year, he has taken part in all four games but has yet to find his rhythm. Playing on a third line with rookie Benjamin Kindel, he has managed to record just one point, achieved during the home opener against the Islanders. Although it’s early days, his usual sharp playmaking and reliable shooting appear stymied, which is concerning. Should he find his game, he could become a vital asset in the team’s lineup.
Philip Tomasino
Tomasino has suited up for only two encounters thus far, with limited impact. While he showed flashes of potential against the Rangers, he missed key scoring opportunities and seemed to fade into the background during the Ducks game. Notably, he squandered a clear chance on an odd-man rush, firing high over the target. Acquired last season, he demonstrated capability with 11 goals and 24 points but was marred by inconsistency. Should this trend continue, his spot on the roster could be jeopardized.
Kris Letang
Coming off a commendable performance on opening night, Letang’s play has waned over the subsequent games, particularly against the Ducks where he was responsible for pivotal errors, including a turnover that led directly to an opposing goal. After suffering an injury against the Rangers, he appeared compromised physically, which raised concerns about his skating ability mirroring past seasons. As one of the franchise’s all-time greats, the Penguins will need him to reestablish his competitive edge when he regains full health.
Upcoming Matches
The Penguins are set to continue their California road trip, facing off against the Los Angeles Kings this Thursday evening. Following that, they will conclude their journey with a match against the San Jose Sharks before returning home to host the Vancouver Canucks on October 21. Fans are eagerly anticipating the game, which will start at 10 p.m. ET and be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh. For the latest updates on the Penguins, including roster changes and player highlights, don’t forget to follow THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab!
