3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins are the No. 1 team in the NHL at the end of October ft. Resurgent Malkin

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been the biggest early surprise this NHL season, climbing to the top of the league standings.

Entering the final day of October, the Penguins pace the NHL with 18 points in 12 games. The Pens have two regulation losses to go with two OT/SO losses.

So, with Pittsburgh above contenders like the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars, it’s worth taking a look at the three reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins are the toast of the NHL at the end of October.

3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins are top team in NHL at the end of October

#3 The Dan Muse effect

The Pittsburgh Penguins let go of longtime coach Mike Sullivan this summer, opting to bring in Dan Muse. Muse entered the picture promising to usher in a new era of discipline and accountability.

Perhaps the biggest change has been the clean slate use brought to the table. Veteran stars had an opportunity to push the reset button, while younger players have gotten an opportunity to shine.

Players like Ben Kindel and Harrison Burnicke have gotten a good look. But other under-the-radar players like Tommy Novak, Connor Dewar, and Justin Brazeau have gotten a solid shot at making an impact. That situation had led to building a decent supporting cast around Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

#2 Solid goaltending

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been getting solid goaltending this season. That statement is actually a surprise, considering that the team’s tandem was Tristan Jarry and Arturs Silovs heading into the season.

Silovs was coming off an MVP season in the AHL, while Jarry was trying to get his career back on track. Well, solid defense and a much better structure around the goalies have led the Penguins to be tied for third in the league with a 2.42 GAA and have sole possession of third spot in the league with a .921 SV%.

Those numbers are a huge contrast from last season, as the Penguins' goaltending was among the worst in the NHL.

#1 Resurgent Malkin

Evgeni Malkin, who announced 2025-26 would be his final season, seems to be in the midst of one tremendous send-off. Malkin leads the team with 17 points in 12 games. He looks reinvigorated and rejuvenated.

Most importantly, Malkin has provided the secondary scoring that Crosby has lacked over the last couple of seasons. The biggest reason for Malkin’s resurgence is that he seems fully healthy. The Penguins’ legend has been slowed down by injuries over the last few seasons.

That doesn’t seem to be the case this season, and the results have been evident. Of course, it’s only the first month. So, it remains to be seen if the Pittsburgh Penguins can sustain their results thus far.

In the meantime, it seems that Pittsburgh could be poised for one more playoff run this season.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan