Penguins' Coach Dan Muse Leads NHL's Biggest Surprise

First-year coach's humble approach has revived veteran-led team

Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:05pm

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In his first season as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dan Muse has led the team to a surprising 14-3-3 record heading into the Olympic break. Muse's unassuming and player-friendly style has resonated with the Penguins' veteran stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, who have all played some of their best hockey in years under the new coach.

Why it matters

The Penguins were expected to struggle this season after missing the playoffs last year, but Muse's fresh approach has revived the team and put them in playoff position in the weak Metropolitan Division. His ability to get the most out of both young and veteran players has been key to the Penguins' turnaround.

The details

Muse, who had not been well-known before being hired as Penguins head coach, has impressed with his humble demeanor and willingness to help the team in small ways, like loading equipment bags. His gentle coaching style has been a contrast to previous Penguins coaches who took a tougher approach, and it has resonated with the team's veteran stars who were starting to tune out previous coaches.

  • The Penguins concluded a 14-3-3 stretch before the Olympic break on February 24, 2026.
  • Muse was hired as Penguins head coach in June 2025.

The players

Dan Muse

The first-year head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins who has led the team's surprising turnaround this season.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' star center and team captain, who has played some of his best hockey in years under Muse's leadership.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' veteran star center who has also thrived under Muse's coaching approach after struggling in recent seasons.

Kris Letang

The Penguins' veteran defenseman who has played the best hockey of his Penguins tenure this season under Muse.

Jim Rutherford

The former Penguins general manager who joked that current GM Kyle Dubas was ahead of everyone in hiring Muse as head coach.

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What they’re saying

“We're all part of the team here.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“Kyle (Dubas) was ahead of everyone on that guy. He should be coach of the year.”

— Jim Rutherford, Former Penguins General Manager (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“We all really like him. I mean, really, how could anyone not like him? Hell of a guy.”

— Erik Karlsson, Penguins Player (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

The Penguins will look to continue their strong play when star center Sidney Crosby returns from his Olympic injury, as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

The takeaway

Muse's humble and player-friendly approach has been a perfect fit for the veteran-led Penguins, reviving a team that was expected to struggle this season and proving that nice guys don't always finish last in the NHL.