As the Pittsburgh Penguins approach the holiday break and near the midpoint of the 2025-26 NHL season, one thing is crystal clear: this team has defied expectations in ways no one saw coming. While their standing in the league might align with preseason predictions, the journey to get there has been anything but ordinary. From veteran stars to rookie surprises, and a few head-scratching disappointments, this season has been a rollercoaster. Now feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and dive into the standout moments—both good and bad—that have defined the Penguins’ season so far. Let’s break it down: who’s shining, who’s struggling, and who’s left us all scratching our heads.
Best Player: Sidney Crosby
Let’s start with the obvious: Sidney Crosby. At 38 years old, Crosby continues to defy Father Time in ways that border on the miraculous. Yes, there are legitimate concerns about the top line’s defensive play—Crosby and Bryan Rust included—but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Crosby is on pace for 43 goals this season, which would rank as the third-highest total of his illustrious career. Scoring 20 goals and averaging over a point per game through 36 games at his age? That’s not just impressive—it’s unprecedented in the NHL. This is a player who’s already cemented his legacy as the Penguins’ all-time leading scorer, yet he’s still performing like one of the league’s elite offensive threats. And this is the part most people miss: Crosby isn’t just a relic of the past; he’s still very much the present—and maybe even the future—of this team.
Biggest Surprise: Ben Kindel
When the Penguins drafted Ben Kindel 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, the reaction was, well, polarizing. Some saw his potential, while others questioned the pick, pointing to more recognizable names still on the board. Fast forward to now, and Kindel isn’t just on the NHL roster—he’s thriving. But here’s where it gets controversial: at just 18 years old, Kindel isn’t just holding his own; he’s already showcasing an advanced two-way game that’s rare for a player his age. With eight goals in 33 games, he’s on pace for a 20-goal season, and his underlying metrics are among the team’s best. While he might not be a franchise-altering talent, he’s undoubtedly a top-line player in the making—and maybe even an All-Star. Kindel’s emergence has been one of the brightest spots in a season that’s had its fair share of shadows.
Biggest Disappointment: Kris Letang
It’s no secret that the Penguins’ ‘Big Three’—Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang—were bound to slow down eventually. But Letang’s decline has been the most pronounced. This is where opinions will clash: while some might argue that his struggles are a natural part of aging, others will point to his performance as a symptom of deeper issues on the team’s defense. Letang has been a shadow of his former self this season, with moments of brilliance few and far between. For a player who was once the backbone of the Penguins’ blue line, his current play has been tough to watch. The question now is: can he rebound, or is this the new normal?
Player the Penguins Need More From: Ville Koivunen
Ville Koivunen came into this season with sky-high expectations. After dominating in the AHL and showing promise in his NHL debut last season, many thought he’d take the next step. But so far, his offensive production has been underwhelming, with just three points in 24 games. And this is the part most people miss: Koivunen isn’t making glaring mistakes, and his underlying numbers are solid. He’s creating chances, but the puck just isn’t going in. Is this a slump, or a sign of a larger issue? The Penguins need him to find his scoring touch in the second half, but development isn’t linear. Patience is key, but the clock is ticking.
Worst Offseason Additions: Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba
Let’s be honest: no one expected Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba to be game-changers when they joined the Penguins. They were brought in primarily for salary cap reasons and future assets. But their on-ice impact—or lack thereof—has been hard to ignore. Dumba is now in the AHL, and Clifton hasn’t been a regular, but when called upon, neither has made a positive difference. Here’s the controversial take: while their additions made sense from a front-office perspective, they’ve been liabilities on the ice. Is it fair to judge them solely on their play, or should we consider the bigger picture?
Best Offseason Addition: Anthony Mantha
Anthony Mantha was the quintessential low-risk, high-reward signing. Brought in as a reclamation project, he’s exceeded expectations with 11 goals and 23 points, putting him on pace for a 25-goal, 52-point season. His relatively low cap hit makes him an attractive trade deadline target for playoff contenders. But here’s where it gets interesting: Mantha’s play can be wildly inconsistent. On some shifts, he looks like an All-Star; on others, he’s barely noticeable. Still, he’s delivered exactly what the Penguins hoped for—a productive player who can be flipped for future assets.
Final Thoughts
This Penguins season has been a study in contrasts: the old guard defying expectations, the new blood surprising everyone, and a few key players falling short. As we head into the second half, the big question remains: can this team find consistency and make a playoff push? And what does the future hold for players like Letang and Koivunen? One thing’s for sure: this season is far from over, and the Penguins still have plenty of stories left to tell. What’s your take? Who’s been the biggest surprise or disappointment for you? Let’s hear it in the comments!
