Penguins Surge Into Olympic Break With Impressive Run

Pittsburgh has the fifth-best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference and third-best goal differential as the NHL season pauses for the Milan Winter Olympics.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have played 56 games so far this season and have an 85.5% chance to make the playoffs, thanks to a 13-3-3 run heading into the Olympic break. They hold a five-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins' strong play has been fueled by several key factors, including a change in mindset, the positive coaching staff, the resurgence of veteran Evgeni Malkin, improved defensive play, and the secondary scoring of Anthony Mantha.

Why it matters

The Penguins' impressive run heading into the Olympic break has them firmly in playoff position in the Eastern Conference, a significant turnaround from earlier in the season when they went through a 10-game winless streak. Their ability to bounce back and solidify their standing shows the team's resilience and the impact of their coaching staff and veteran leadership.

The details

During their 10-game winless streak earlier in the season, the Penguins led after 50 minutes in four of those games and earned a loser point in five of them. But the team then went on a 13-3-3 run, fueled by a change in mindset where they got "angry at themselves instead of nervous" and simply decided they had lost enough games. The coaching staff, led by Dan Muse, has also played a key role, creating a positive environment that has allowed numerous players to have career years. Evgeni Malkin has rediscovered his game at both ends of the ice, while the defense has become surprisingly competent after looking like a weakness earlier in the season. Finally, Anthony Mantha has provided valuable secondary scoring, with 20 goals so far this season.

  • The Penguins hit the Olympic break on a 13-3-3 run.
  • The Penguins went through a 10-game winless streak earlier in the season.

The players

Dan Muse

The Penguins' head coach, known as a "rink rat" who lives and breathes the game, has helped create a positive environment that has allowed numerous players to have career years.

Evgeni Malkin

The 39-year-old veteran center has been a better player at both ends of the ice this season, with 44 points (13-31-44) in 41 games.

Anthony Mantha

The Penguins' forward has already scored 20 goals this season, providing valuable secondary scoring regardless of which center he's playing with.

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What they’re saying

“I think his game has continued to evolve over the course of the year … I think he's taken strides on both sides of the puck. For a guy his size, he's able to be a real threat, whether it's off the rush or in zone.”

— Dan Muse, Penguins Head Coach (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Penguins will look to continue their strong play when the NHL season resumes after the Milan Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

The Penguins' impressive run heading into the Olympic break has shown their resilience and the impact of their coaching staff and veteran leadership. With the team firmly in playoff position, they will look to carry this momentum forward as the NHL season resumes.