On Saturday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins surrendered three third period goals to squander a 5-1 lead, but they were ultimately able to recover and win in overtime. On Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the Penguins allowed another three goals in the final frame to once again give up a lead they began the period with, instead this time around, they were unable to bounce back, and as a result, dropped their first game of the season in a 3-2 home loss. [Pensburgh]
Pens Points…
It’s the first full week of the 2026-27
NHL season and the Penguins have four games on the schedule, including their first back-to-back set coming on Friday/Saturday. This week also features a pair of games against Metro opponents in Washington and Columbus. [Pensburgh]
You can read more about it below, but Alexander Ovechkin announced he will be retiring at the end of the season. Having been his chief rival for more than two decades, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby shared their thoughts on the announcement with the media. [Pensburgh]
The rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals was already well established before Crosby and Ovechkin came into the league, but their own personal rivalry just added to the intensity when the two teams met, and now they will get one final go around this season. [Penguins]
So much of Crosby’s career has been defined by his rivalry with Ovechkin, that when Ovie retires, there will seem like a piece of Sid is missing as well for however long he continues playing. [The Athletic $$]
A new season brings some new menu items available for fans to purchase at PPG Paints Arena and there will be plenty to choose from and try out during your visit. [PPG]
Coming into the season, all you had to do was look at the Penguins roster and you could see they had an abundance of forwards under contract and not nearly enough room to fit them all. That depth is vital in an NHL season, but it still takes some managing to make sure you have the right fit. [The Athletic $$]
NHL News and Notes…
This season will mark the final season for Alexander Ovechkin who announced he will be retiring at the end of 2026-27 after a 22-year career. His final regular season home game will fittingly come against the Penguins in April. [NHL]
It’s the first “Three Stars of the Week” of the NHL season and Igor Shesterkin leads the way following two wins in three starts to go along with a goal of his own and an assist. Joining Shesterkin among the honorees is Evan Bouchard and Paul Cotter who lit up the box score early in the season. [NHL]
