Crosby, Malkin, and Penguins’ Hot Start Won’t Change Ultimate Plans

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to impress early in the 2025-26 season, sitting at 7-2-1 after a convincing 6-3 win over the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. While they put another surprising win on their early record, it shouldn’t suddenly suggest that the Penguins are altering course and preparing their team for a 2026 playoff run.

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No doubt, the Penguins are loving this early success. Sidneyrosby is reaching milestones, and Evgeni Malkin is showing he’s still got it. General manager Kyle Dubas has to be thrilled that this roster isn’t a lottery team like many might have presumed going into the season. At the same time, Dubas remains committed to acquiring younger assets.

Elliotte Friedman noted on FAN Hockey Show that two weeks into the season won’t shift the front office’s mindset. While their veteran core continues to dominate games, it is still a “veteran core”. They can currently carry a roster, but it’s not sustainable over the long term, perhaps not even for the remainder of this season.

Pittsburgh ranks 20th in expected goals allowed per 60 minutes and 27th in 5-on-5 expected goals against, indicating defensive lapses that could resurface as the season progresses. The team’s goaltending from Tristan Jarry and Artus Silovs has been strong, but their sustainability remains uncertain. Perhaps most alarming, Crosby is converting at nearly 39%, far above normal rates. That can’t and won’t continue.

The positive for the Penguins is that young talent is starting to make an impact. Players like Ben Kindel, Harrison Brunicke, Ville Koivunen, and Owen Pickering are getting meaningful minutes, and that bodes well for the Penguins’ future. If the team remains competitive, these prospects will get experience that will be critical to their development.

The Penguins probably should look too far beyond that.

The Penguins’ hot start is real, but it’s unlikely to last. Management knows it and won’t be fooled by the team’s ability to bank early points. They will continue to prioritize youth and development, while the veteran stars keep the team competitive.

Early success is encouraging, but it shouldn’t create a scenario where the team abandons their initial plans.

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