Top 5 Pittsburgh Penguins Games You Can’t Miss in 2024-25

Although the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have any special Stadium Series games scheduled for the 2024-25 season, their calendar is packed with matchups that every Pens fan should highlight.

With Sidney Crosby still leading the charge, the season promises plenty of heated rivalries and a crucial stretch in 2025 that could define their playoff hopes after missing out last year.

As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, here are five games that are sure to be must-watch events for any Penguins fan.

Penguins Host Rangers in TNT Season Debut on October 9th

Kicking off the season against a division rival like the New York Rangers is a perfect way to ignite the excitement for Penguins hockey.

There’s nothing quite like this matchup to get the adrenaline pumping. So, what’s the latest on the Rangers as we head into the new season?

The Rangers have made some significant moves during the offseason to strengthen their roster for 2024-25. Most notably, they acquired forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he’s set to make his Rangers debut against his former team on October 9th.

Smith will be a player to watch as he looks to make a statement in his first game against the Penguins. Alongside him, the Rangers have kept much of their core intact, with stars like Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere ready to lead the charge this season.

November 8th: Crosby and Ovechkin’s First 2024 Face-Off

The Capitals will face the Penguins on November 8th, 2024, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. This matchup is one of the key dates on the Penguins' schedule as it renews the intense rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin will face off for the 70th time in the regular season, continuing one of the most storied rivalries in NHL history.

Over their 69 previous matchups, both superstars have showcased their immense talents, with Crosby accumulating 31 goals and 59 assists for 90 points, while Ovechkin has tallied 37 goals and 30 assists, totaling 67 points.

The Washington Capitals have been active this offseason, making several key additions to strengthen their roster. Notably, they acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings, which should bolster their center depth significantly. Additionally, they added forward Andrew Mangiapane, providing more offensive firepower to their top-six forwards.

With the new additions like Dubois and Mangiapane, the Capitals will look to challenge the Penguins in what could be a pivotal game for both teams early in the season.​

Penguins Welcome Stanley Cup Champion Panthers on December 3rd

This matchup holds particular significance as the Penguins will host the reigning Stanley Cup champions, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already high-stakes contest.

By this point in the season, both teams will be well into their regular-season campaigns, making this game crucial for playoff positioning and momentum.

The Panthers, however, have undergone some notable changes during the offseason. Key defenseman Brandon Montour has departed for the Seattle Kraken, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson has moved on to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Despite these departures, the Panthers successfully re-signed crucial players like Sam Reinhart, who played a pivotal role in their playoff success. They also made strategic moves by adding Nate Schmidt, an under-the-radar signing who could strengthen their defense.

Penguins-Flyers: Holiday Rivalry Clash on December 23rd

The Flyers will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 23, 2024, just two days before Christmas. It’s a bit unusual to see this rivalry match so deep into the season, but there’s no better time than the holiday season for some intense hockey action.

After a disappointing season, the Philadelphia Flyers have made several changes as they attempt to claw their way back into relevance for the 2024-25 season.

One of the biggest stories is the arrival of top prospect Matvei Michkov, who is expected to make an immediate impact. However, the Penguins should be ready to counter this injection of youth with their experience and depth.

The Flyers’ roster also includes younger players like Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster stepping into larger roles, but it remains to be seen if they can handle the pressure of playing against a team as seasoned as the Penguins.

On defense, the Flyers will continue to rely on emerging talents like Cam York and Travis Sanheim, while veterans such as Rasmus Ristolainen will remain key to their defensive core. Still, the Penguins’ offense will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in this revamped Flyers lineup.

February 2025: A Month Packed with Rivalries for the Penguins

This is where I’m bending the rules—no single game date here, because February 2025 is all about survival in the Metropolitan Division.

Starting on February 4th, the Penguins will plunge into a grueling stretch of rivalry games that could very well define their season. Just take a look at these dates:

• Tue, Feb 4: At home against the New Jersey Devils
• Fri, Feb 7: On the road against the Rangers
• Sat, Feb 8: Traveling to Philadelphia
• Sat, Feb 22: Back home against the Capitals
• Sun, Feb 23: Hosting the Rangers
• Tue, Feb 25: Back to Philly
• Thu, Feb 27: Finishing the month hosting Philly

February will test the Penguins in every possible way, with so many rivals packed into this short, intense month. These aren’t just games—they’re season-defining battles.

The relentless grind of facing division rivals back-to-back will push the Penguins to their limits, both physically and mentally. With playoff positioning at stake, every one of these matchups is a must-win.

For the Penguins, these games are not only about earning points; they’re about securing pride, establishing dominance, and gaining momentum. Fans should circle these dates in bold because these are the moments where your support will be crucial.

The Penguins’ performance in February could very well decide their playoff fate.