Penguins Seek to Establish New Team Identity

Coach Dan Muse says the team is still working to define its identity after years of being known for high-powered offense.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Penguins are no longer the marquee offensive team they once were, with a roster of superstar players. Coach Dan Muse says the team is still working to establish a new identity, one focused on relentless two-way play, puck pursuit, and a united, connected game. The Penguins' lineup now features a variety of playing styles, from their top line to the fourth line, as they try to find a winning formula.

Why it matters

The Penguins have long been defined by their high-powered offense and star players, but that identity has faded in recent years. Establishing a new team identity is crucial as the Penguins look to remain competitive in the tough Metropolitan Division and make a playoff push.

The details

Coach Dan Muse says the Penguins are showing an identity of a team that "works at both ends of the ice," with "relentless puck pursuit" and a "united, connected game" when transitioning to offense. The team features four lines with different playing styles, from the top line's finesse game to the fourth line's gritty, 200-foot play. The middle six forwards have also contributed at both ends of the ice. On defense, the Penguins may lack star power on paper, but have been "ruthlessly competent" on the ice, with Erik Karlsson's resurgence and Parker Wotherspoon's physical play.

  • The Penguins have played 53 games so far this season.

The players

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is tasked with helping the team establish a new identity after years of being known for high-powered offense.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who plays on the team's top line alongside Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

Blake Lizotte

The center for the Penguins' fourth line, which plays a similar 200-foot game to the top line.

Anthony Mantha

A Penguins forward who has found success playing a more finesse game on the team's "twin towers" line alongside Justin Brazeau.

Erik Karlsson

The Penguins' top defenseman, who has elevated his game back to an elite level this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think we're still continuing to establish it, you know? it's like, you've got to do it every night. You have to show it again. But I think what we've been showing is just--it's a team that's going to work at both ends of the ice.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

“I think at least for me personally, it's just trying to play fast, play smart. Play a 200-foot game, compete hard.”

— Ben Kindel, Penguins Rookie (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

“And I think (we're) a team that gets contributions as we did (Thursday), from everybody throughout the lineup, finding different ways to make an impact.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Penguins will look to continue establishing their new identity as they push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

The Penguins are no longer the high-flying offensive juggernaut they once were, but under coach Dan Muse, they are working to develop a new identity focused on relentless two-way play and a united team effort. This shift in approach could be crucial as the Penguins aim to remain competitive in the tough Metropolitan Division.