The Pittsburgh Penguins have surprised many across the NHL with their impressive 5-2 start to the 2025โ26 season, and according to insider Josh Yohe, their resurgence is far from accidental. A blend of milestone-reaching veterans, breakout performances from newcomers, and renewed team chemistry has placed the Penguins squarely back in the leagueโs competitive spotlight.
The latest showcase of Pittsburghโs strength came in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, where captain Sidney Crosby and long-time defenseman Kris Letang led the charge. Both seasoned stars added to their already legendary careersโCrosby netted his fourth goal of the season to surpass Mario Lemieux as the franchiseโs all-time leader in combined regular-season and playoff points, while Letang quietly recorded his 600th career assist, a remarkable milestone for one of the most enduring blue-liners in the NHL.
Their efforts were complemented by a strong supporting cast. Connor Dewar, Tommy Novak, Anthony Mantha, and the red-hot Justin Brazeau all contributed to the scoresheet. Brazeau, in particular, has been a revelationโposting three points in the Canucks game and now boasting five goals and eight points through just seven contests. His energy, size, and net-front presence have provided a much-needed spark to Pittsburghโs offensive depth.
Despite the final score, the Penguins didnโt start the game perfectly. The opening few minutes were shaky, with goaltender Arturs Silovs conceding early against his former team. But he quickly found his rhythm, finishing the night with 23 saves on 24 shots. Once Pittsburgh settled into its groove midway through the first period, the game was never in doubt again.
From that point on, the Penguins controlled play in every zone. They dictated tempo, dominated puck possession, and used a blend of physicality and speed to overwhelm Vancouverโs defense. Whatโs more, this wasnโt a performance carried solely by the franchise icons; it was a complete team effort that blended experience and youthful enthusiasm seamlessly.
Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau brought a layer of grit and size that Pittsburgh has sometimes lacked in recent years. Meanwhile, prospects like Ben Kindel, Harrison Brunicke, and Filip Hallander injected fresh legs and hunger, showing flashes of skill that suggest the teamโs depth is no longer in question.
One of the biggest positives from the early stretch of the season has been Erik Karlssonโs resurgence. After struggling at times last season to adjust following his trade to Pittsburgh, the 2022โ23 Norris Trophy winner finally looks like the elite offensive defenseman who once posted over 100 points in a single campaign. Against Vancouver, Karlsson displayed the perfect balance between aggression and responsibilityโjumping into the play when needed but maintaining discipline in his own zone.
Meanwhile, Letangโs calm presence on the blue line continues to serve as the glue holding the defense together. His leadership has been invaluable in helping Karlsson and the younger defenders find their rhythm. Together, the two veteran defensemen appear to have found a dynamic balance that allows both to thrive.
Perhaps the most electrifying storyline so far has been Evgeni Malkinโs renaissance. The Russian star, long known for his game-breaking ability, is off to a scorching start with 10 goals in seven games. His shot appears as lethal as ever, and his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the ice has reignited the Penguinsโ offensive confidence. When Malkin is this dialed in, few teams can contain Pittsburghโs attack.
Yohe emphasized that this combination of factorsโCrosby and Letangโs milestones, Karlssonโs renewed form, Malkinโs offensive firepower, and Brazeauโs breakoutโisnโt the product of luck. Itโs the result of a rejuvenated culture in the locker room and a roster built to compete with both skill and edge.
> โSid and Kris hitting milestones, the revelation that is Justin Brazeau, and the kids are alright,โ Yohe noted, summing up the essence of the Penguinsโ early-season magic.
Indeed, the energy in Pittsburgh feels different. The veterans, long the backbone of the franchise, are setting the tone both on and off the ice. The younger players are feeding off that leadership, blending hunger with respect for the established core. Itโs a formula thatโs fueling both short-term success and long-term optimism.
The Penguinsโ transition game has been particularly impressive. With Karlsson and Letang orchestrating plays from the back end, and forwards like Malkin and Crosby reading the ice perfectly, Pittsburgh is once again playing the brand of fast, fluid hockey that made them a perennial powerhouse in the late 2010s.
Coach Mike Sullivan deserves credit as well. His willingness to integrate younger players into meaningful roles while trusting his veterans to lead by example has brought balance to the lineup. The Penguins are not leaning too heavily on their aging stars, nor are they overexposing their prospects. Each player seems to have a clear purpose within the system.
Goaltending, too, has quietly stabilized. Silovsโ strong showing against Vancouver built confidence in the crease, and his poise under pressure suggests the Penguins might have found reliable depth behind starter Tristan Jarry. In recent seasons, inconsistent goaltending often derailed Pittsburghโs momentum; that doesnโt seem to be the case this year.
Brazeauโs rise has perhaps been the biggest surprise story of all. At 26, heโs finally earning consistent NHL minutes after years of grinding through the minors. His determination, physicality, and scoring touch have made him an instant fan favorite. For a team that has often relied on its superstars, seeing a player like Brazeau emerge as a secondary scoring threat adds an entirely new dimension.
Looking ahead, sustainability will be the key question. The Penguinsโ veterans have battled through countless seasons and injuries, and maintaining this pace over 82 games will require continued management of minutes and health. But if their current form holds, Pittsburgh looks poised to once again be a serious playoff contender.
The early-season narrative that the Penguins might be too old or too slow has evaporated. Instead, theyโve rediscovered their competitive identityโan ideal blend of seasoned excellence and youthful exuberance. Their 5-2 record is not a fluke; itโs a statement that the Penguins are still capable of contending in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
In Yoheโs words, โThis team isnโt an early-season anomaly. Theyโre a serious threat once more.โ
With Crosby rewriting franchise history, Malkin torching goaltenders, Letang leading by example, and new faces like Brazeau stepping into the spotlight, the Penguinsโ 2025โ26 campaign is shaping up to be something special. The message to the rest of the NHL is clear: never count out Pittsburgh.
