League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Pittsburgh Penguins look to sustain success without Crosby and Malkin

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins look to sustain success without Crosby and Malkin

Summary

The Pittsburgh Penguins' performance during the 2025-26 NHL season indicates a shift in success when both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are off the ice. For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the team outscored its opponents at 5v5 during those times, contributing to playoff qualification. Historically, the Penguins' success correlates with their ability to perform well when their star players are not on the ice, as indicated by past seasons. The team aims to replace key outgoing players like Noel Acciari and adjust for the changes in Malkin's role due to age, pointing to the importance of depth scoring for continued success in the upcoming season.

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Status Watch

•Penguins qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
•Recorded a +3 goal differential without Crosby and Malkin in 2025-26.
•Key replacements needed for departing players like Noel Acciari and Anthony Mantha.
•Importance of third and fourth line contributions emphasized for success.
•Crosby and Malkin continue to age, impacting their roles on the team.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Building the Pens: How will they do when 87 and 71 aren’t on the ice?

What they're saying

"
The 2025-26 season was the first time the Penguins outscored their opposition at 5v5 when both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were off the ice since 2021-22. Not coincidentally, 2026 was also the first time the Pens qualified for the playoffs since 2022. A recent split of the 5v5 net goals while Crosby was on […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Dallas Stars Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Hockey

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Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 12:00 PM
Building the Pens: How will they do when 87 and 71 aren’t on the ice?
The 2025-26 season was the first time the Penguins outscored their opposition at 5v5 when both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were off the ice since 2021-22. Not coincidentally, 2026 was also the first time the Pens qualified for the playoffs since 2022. A recent split of the 5v5 net goals while Crosby was on […]

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