Oct 6, 2025 - Sports

Penguins begin season with Crosby still leading

Ryan Deto

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck during the second period in the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on October 3, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — Sid the Kid is back for his 20th season on the Penguins. Photo: Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It's a hockey night, but not quite in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters: The NHL season starts Tuesday, and the Penguins take on the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden.

⛸️ Catch up quick: Expectations are not high for the Pens, who have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons.

The team and longtime head coach Mike Sullivan parted ways in April.
Former Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse replaced Sullivan in June.
The team made some trades to bolster their defensive line, but the moves were mostly about acquiring draft picks for future talent.

🏆 Yes, but: The Pens still have future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby, who continues to play at a high level even as he enters his 20th year in the league.

🥅 State of play: The legendary trio of Crosby, forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang will take the ice to start this year, in what some believe will be their final year together on the Penguins.

Trade rumors have been swirling for Malkin and even Crosby, as the Pens look to offload some of their pricier contracts and rebuild with young talent.

🏒 Puck drop is Tuesday at 8pm. Watch on ESPN.

What's next: The Pens home opener is on Thursday at 7pm against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena.

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Penguins begin season with Crosby still leading

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