The Pittsburgh Penguins have found themselves in a peculiar spot at the 2026 Olympic break. Many people expected them to be in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes, but they have far surpassed those expectations. With a quarter of the season left, the Penguins are in a prime position to make some noise in the NHL’s Eastern Conference for the first time in five seasons. 

Unexpected Success

The last four seasons have been full of disappointment for Pittsburgh and its fans. In the Sidney Crosby era, making the playoffs has been almost a guarantee, except recently. Playoff hockey is a beautiful time of the year in the Steel City, and it’s been filled with more success than the fans could ask for. It’s been an odd feeling to see them miss the playoffs, and it’s something that older fans know plenty about. Before Crosby and the gang got here, things were bleak. Now, it looks like the Penguins and their legendary captain will get another shot at the postseason. 

I haven’t been this excited about young Penguins since 2016.

— Penguins Jesus (@PenguinsJesus) February 6, 2026

According to Moneypuck, Pittsburgh has an 82.6% chance of making the playoffs. That includes a 10.2% chance to make the Stanley Cup finals and a 5.1% chance to lift Lord Stanley’s fabled cup. If it can just get into the dance, the Penguins will be dangerous. This team is full of veterans who know what it takes to win in the playoffs. The core three have done it three times. A fourth ring would be a magical end to the dynasty that they have brought to the city. Anything can happen in the playoffs.  

The Penguins Go Marching

It has been an odd season in Pittsburgh. In December, they lost eight straight games, and it appeared that the season was heading into the dump, but then something clicked. To bring in the new year, the Penguins ripped off six consecutive wins. They then stacked another six-game win streak to end January. They have shown that they are a team that can string together wins when they need it, and they can win the gritty games that good playoff teams win. 

Once they return for the month-long Olympic break, March will be a gauntlet for them. Pittsburgh will play the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Las Vegas Golden Knights twice each. The Penguins will play the Metropolitan Division powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes, three times. If they survive that stretch, the rest of the NHL should be afraid of what Crosby and company are cooking in the Steel City. 

Pens complete the run-up to the Olympic break by going 13-3-3 after the Christmas break and own the eighth-best record in NHL.

— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) February 6, 2026

With 26 games remaining in the season, Pittsburgh sits with a record of 29-15-12. That has the Penguins in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Last season, they only won 34 games. Now, they are five games away from that with plenty of hockey to play. If they can make the playoffs, it will be their 17th appearance of the Crosby era and 38th in the franchises 58 year history. Many people have criticized Kyle Dubas, but his retooling of this team has been impressive so far. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Penguins Rant Penguins Jan 22, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal scored by forward Sidney Crosby (87) during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh fans haven’t had much to look forward to recently, but this season feels different. It’s almost time for a new era of Penguins hockey, but this group won’t go down without one more shot at lifting the cup. Crosby won’t allow it. He’s on pace for 87 points, which would give him his 21st consecutive point-per-game season. The man is an ageless wonder, and Pittsburgh will go as far as he can carry them. Luckily for them, there’s no limit on what his greatness can do.