The Penguins kicked off the first two games of the 2025-26 campaign with 4 huge divisional points over Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers and the spotlighted New York Islanders.
Dan Muse has shown Penguins fans that a new voice was needed around this team to break some player habits, bring sides out of players and have this Penguins squad hunkering down against division rivals.
The last five season's for the Penguins has seen them choke and hand away crucial points in crunch time against team's like the Rangers and Islanders. Despite the fact we are only two games in, the Muse system has shown that the Penguins can now properly defend and play a structured system that allows them to win hockey games and not play laid back and sit on leads like in the Mike Sullivan era.
Dan Muse has shown heavy promise in the foretold youth movement that is starting to begin in Pittsburgh. Muse started off the season, allowing rookies Benjamin Kindel and Harrison Brunicke to start the game and has flexed his option to test different players on different lines during the game to test combinations. Examples of that have seen Kindel see first line minutes, Filip Hallander swapping in for Philip Tomasino, utilizing his young guys while Rutger McGroarty and Bryan Rust remained sidelined with Injuries, but are both close to returns.
Justin Brazeau for Rocket Richard ??
Dan Muse has unlocked an unlikely early candidate for bounce back player of the year for the Penguins in Justin Brazeau. Brazeau who is flanked by Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha to start the season have formed the tall line as all players are above six foot. Brazeau already has two game winners in both contests and has three goals. The second line has flourished under the Muse system and will need to keep this up to be a sufficient second line for the Penguins.
The Kids are showing out early
Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke have Penguins fans and fans around the NHL impressed by how well they have naturally have slotted in and played for the Penguins in the two games played. Kindel in game one out-beat Vincent Trocheck and was at 80% face-off rating, he has also shown his silky hands in tight quarters and his ability to quickly back-check on the transition side of the ice. Brunicke has shown he deserves past a nine game trial here in the NHL, sending him back to the CHL would teach the young defenseman nothing and is clearly and visibly ready for a full time roster spot in the NHL after scoring in game two and showing great signs of readiness. Kindel is a question mark on if he will make it past the nine game trial however these next two to three games will tell his tale for this season.
The Penguins reveal new alternate jerseys as they remark on Penguins history
The slogan is " A tribute to the city, showcasing unique detailing that honors Pittsburgh's iconic rivers, bridges and proud hockey history," as the Penguins entered the ice with the brand new yellow and black city connect esque jersey's that showcase the rich history of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The patch includes the old Mellon Igloo arena alongside the Allegheny River and Fort Pitt bridge. The Penguins will wear this alternate jersey 10 more times throughout the remainder of the season starting Nov. 6, against Washington and will finishing up against the Panthers on Apr. 5.
The Penguins will take on once again Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. EST at home before heading on the California road trip.