The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering a crucial phase of the 2025-26 season, balancing playoff aspirations with strategic roster adjustments. Here’s a look at the week ahead, covering Jan 4-11.

Schedule Overview

The Penguins' schedule for the upcoming week features a mix of home and away games. This stretch will be a test of their consistency and ability to perform under varying conditions. Specific game dates and opponents for this period will be crucial in determining their positioning within the Metropolitan Division.

Crosby's Pursuit of History and Olympic Ambitions

Sidney Crosby continues to be a central figure for the Penguins. Having recently surpassed Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time leading scorer, Crosby's influence extends beyond the team to the international stage. As he is expected to captain Team Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, his performance will be closely monitored as a preview of his international play. Crosby is currently on pace for another 90+ point season.

Roster Updates and Transactions

General Manager Kyle Dubas has been actively reshaping the Penguins' roster. A recent trade saw forward Yegor Chinakhov acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Danton Heinen and draft picks, aiming to inject speed and scoring depth into the team's middle lines. Additionally, the Penguins traded Philip Tomasino to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Egor Zamula. However, Zamula has been suspended by the Penguins for not reporting to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, their AHL affiliate. Tomasino had 24 points in 59 games with the Penguins, but only one assist in nine NHL games this season.

Playoff Hopes

Despite moderate preseason expectations, the Penguins are currently in contention within the Metropolitan Division. Their strong power play and recent victories have positioned them as a potential "sleeper" team in the playoff race.

Injury Updates

Veteran center Evgeni Malkin has been sidelined since early December with an upper-body injury. Although he has resumed skating on his own, his return timeline remains "week-to-week". On a positive note, Blake Lizotte has returned to the lineup, providing a boost to the bottom-six forward group and penalty kill.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate, have been active with roster moves, recalling forwards Brayden Edwards, Zach Urdahl, and Max Graham from the Wheeling Nailers. They have also reassigned defensemen Brent Johnson and Thimo Nickl to Wheeling.