# Summer Coolers – Pittsburgh Penguins

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/summer-coolers-pittsburgh-penguins
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/summer-coolers-pittsburgh-penguins.md
Podcast: [NHL Wraparound Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916)
Published: 2026-09-15T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://nhl-wraparound-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/summer-coolers-pittsburgh-penguins
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/00fa3b30-5d5f-4dfb-9fc4-1e6ca486c587.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/episodes/summer-coolers-pittsburgh-penguins
Duration seconds: 543

## Resource

Summer Coolers – Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins surprised almost everyone in 2025-26, returning to the playoffs for the first time in four years before losing to Philadelphia in six games. Their offense exploded from 18th to third overall, the defense improved, and Dan Muse emerged as a Jack Adams finalist in his first season behind the bench. But Neil Smith and Vic Morren see warning signs. Pittsburgh remains built around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, several players who produced career seasons are gone, and goaltending has become a major question. Can the Penguins recreate last year’s magic? IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] Pittsburgh exceeds expectations, makes its first playoff appearance in four years, but still hasn’t won a postseason series since 2018. [00:00:30] The offense jumps to third in the NHL, the penalty kill finishes tied for sixth, and even the declining power play remains seventh at 24.1%. [00:01:00] Despite Kyle Dubas reshaping the supporting cast, the franchise remains centered around Crosby, Malkin and Letang—a trio totaling 118 years of age. [00:01:25] Malkin returns for another season, while Crosby and agent Pat Brisson are reportedly discussing another contract. [00:01:45] Neil dismisses retirement speculation around Crosby, joking that the superstar seems capable of playing forever while maintaining an incredibly high level. [00:02:00] Pittsburgh’s 41-25-16 record essentially amounts to 41 wins and 41 regulation/OT/shootout losses, but it was still far better than Neil and Vic expected. [00:02:20] Dan Muse deserves considerable credit. The former Rangers assistant replaced Mike Sullivan and became a top-three Jack Adams candidate. [00:03:00] Vic compares Pittsburgh to Washington’s previous surprise season because so man…

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## Transcript

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