Pittsburgh Penguins Team Record, Trades, Team Analysis, and NHL Prediction 2024-25

The Pittsburgh Penguins return to the ice, their aging core led by Sidney Crosby eyeing one final shot at Stanley Cup glory. With renewed focus and re-tooled depth, they could be a formidable contender with time running out. Follow the latest Pittsburgh Penguins records, stats, and odds as they forge one last, determined path toward victory

Pittsburgh Penguins Record – Last Season Recap

The 2023-24 Pittsburgh Penguins standings were even worse than 2022-23. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for a second straight season and went under 40 wins in an 82-game schedule for the first time since 2005-06, Sidney Crosby’s rookie season.

Final 2023-24 Record:

Most of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ odds went ‘under’ or failed to cash in 2023-24. Pittsburgh was listed with 96.5 regular-season point totals and it finished with only 88. This was the second straight season where the Penguins went under their point projections.

Top Performers:

Lost in Pittsburgh’s underwhelming season was Sidney Crosby’s Hart Trophy-worthy campaign. “Sid the Kid” finished 94 points, which is his best since 2018-19 when he finished as a runner-up to the MVP award. Evgeni Malkin, Crosby’s all-star teammate, finished second in scoring with 67 points. Both played all 82 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins Trades (Additions and Subtractions)

The Pittsburgh Penguins’s trades during the 2024 offseason look minor on the surface. But Pittsburgh is trying to address its lack of depth, particularly in scoring where it finished 18th in goals and 30th in power play percentage.

Key Departures:

F Reilly Smith

Key Additions:

F Kevin Hayes
F Anthony Beauvillier
F Cody Glass
D Matt Grzelcyk
D Sebastian Aho

Pittsburgh had more acquisitions than departures this offseason. On paper, this may be better for the team. However, NHL lines don’t immediately reflect an improved team.

Penguins Prediction for the 2024-25 NHL Season

Most Pittsburgh Penguins predictions are bearish. The team is aging with most of its best players aged 34 or older. Pittsburgh desperately needs younger players to step up, especially if it can’t get consistent netminding.

Regular Season Wins Prediction

The NHL odds list Pittsburgh with a 90.5 regular-season points projection. This puts the Penguins just outside the playoff picture. The team continues to decline and many wonder if this is the season Pittsburgh goes into a rebuild.

Playoff Chances

The Penguins’s NHL playoff odds will continue to lengthen with each loss they accumulate. The NHL regular season is a marathon and not a sprint. With most of Pittsburgh’s best players being old, they may run out of gas before the playoffs.

Key Players to Watch

If Pittsburgh is to make one last playoff push, it needs more players to step up. Kevin Hayes is a former all-star. Michael Bunting had 19 points in 21 games with Pittsburgh but was held to just six goals. Matt Grzelcyk must help solidify the blueline with its aging stars. And in goal, Alex Nedeljkovic could replace the injury-prone Tristan Jarry.

Coaching Analysis

Mike Sullivan is into his 10th season with Pittsburgh making him the second-longest tenured head coach after Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper. But he likely has a short leash now, especially if Pittsburgh struggles early. The Penguins have been known to fire head coaches midway into the season.

For more expert picks and analysis, visit our comprehensive NHL Predictions section.