Pittsburgh Penguins Quietly Emerging as NHL Contender

Despite strong play, national media has yet to fully recognize the Penguins' success this season.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:24pm

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The 2025-26 Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the NHL's best teams this season, with a .636 points percentage, a plus-30 goal differential, and strong underlying metrics. However, the national media has not given the Penguins much attention or recognition for their impressive play, continuing to focus on potential roster changes and doubting their ability to maintain their success.

Why it matters

The Penguins' strong performance this season challenges the national narrative around the team, which has been focused on their recent struggles and perceived need for a roster overhaul. Their success challenges the notion that they are a team in decline and highlights the disconnect between the team's on-ice results and the media's perception of them.

The details

Through 59 games, the Penguins rank sixth in the NHL in points percentage, third in the Eastern Conference. They have the fifth-best goal differential, the sixth-most regulation wins, and strong underlying numbers in areas like expected goals and special teams. Despite this, national broadcasts and analysts have continued to focus on potential roster changes and doubts about the team's ability to maintain their success, particularly with Sidney Crosby's injury.

  • The Penguins have a .636 points percentage entering play on March 3, 2026.
  • The Penguins have played two nationally televised games so far this season.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' star center and future Hall of Famer, who has been out with an injury.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' veteran second-line center, whose future with the team has been a topic of discussion.

Anthony Mantha

A Penguins forward who has been the subject of trade rumors.

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What they’re saying

“They will fall out of a playoff position because of the injury to Sidney Crosby and how that will impact their power play.”

— T.J. Oshie

“Sunday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights was going to be a bad time for them.”

— Paul Bissonnette

What’s next

The Penguins will need to continue their strong play over the final quarter of the season to solidify their status as a playoff contender and potential Stanley Cup threat.

The takeaway

The Penguins' strong performance this season has challenged the national narrative around the team, highlighting the disconnect between their on-ice results and the media's perception of them as a team in decline. As the season progresses, the national media will need to re-evaluate their stance on the Penguins and recognize them as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.