Very little has gone right for the Pittsburgh Penguins through 18 games this season, but one of the most glaring issues has been the special teams play. What was a strength of the team last season that helped propel them back to the Stanley Cup playoffs, has become a major liability that is burying them near the bottom of the standings. If the Penguins are to turn around their 2026-27 campaign, it starts with improving the special teams. [Pensburgh]
Pens Points…
If the Penguins season keeps going at the trajectory
we have seen thus far, they’re going to be sellers at the trade deadline and perhaps even before. With a veteran-laden roster, the Penguins have plenty of pieces to ship out, but some may need to waives contract clauses to do so. [Pensburgh]
One of the most recognizable and beloved names in Penguins history is set to take his place among the franchise greats this season. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is set to be inducted into the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame in a ceremony that is sure to be memorable. [Penguins]
Not many of the moves the Penguins made this offseason have paid off in any meaningful way, but the poor results may help the Penguins get to a place they need to be for a successful rebuild to happen. [PPG]
NHL News and Notes…
Cutter Gauthier notched a hat trick against the Penguins on Sunday to go along with his hat trick earlier in the week and was named First Star of the Week by the NHL. Second Star honors went to Jack Hughes and Juuse Saros was named Third Star. [NHL]
There’s more drama brewing between the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebyuck despite the Jets granting the goalie’s trade request a few weeks ago. Since news broke that Hellebyuck will not play in his return to Winnipeg on Tuesday, the Jets head coach had a few choice words. [Sportsnet]
