The Pittsburgh Penguins have faced a challenging 2024–25 NHL season, reflected in their 24–29–10 record as of March 5, 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Sullivan, the team has struggled to find consistency, impacting their position in the Eastern Conference standings. Offensively, the Penguins have averaged 2.85 goals per game, totaling 183 goals this season. Veteran center Sidney Crosby continues to be a pivotal figure, leading the team with 65 points, comprising 19 goals and 46 assists. Crosby’s playmaking abilities and leadership have been invaluable, especially during this tumultuous season. Right wing Rickard Rakell has been a significant contributor, leading the team with 28 goals and adding 20 assists, totaling 48 points. Despite these individual efforts, the team has struggled with depth scoring, with secondary lines failing to consistently produce, placing additional pressure on the top performers. Defensively, the Penguins have encountered considerable challenges, allowing 233 goals against, averaging 3.63 goals per game. This defensive frailty has been a critical factor in their subpar performance. Veteran defenseman Kris Letang has endeavored to stabilize the blue line, contributing 31 points with 4 goals and 27 assists. However, defensive lapses and turnovers have been recurrent issues, leading to high-quality scoring opportunities for opponents. The penalty kill has also been a point of concern, with the team struggling to effectively neutralize opposing power plays, further exacerbating their defensive woes. Goaltending has been an area of instability for the Penguins this season. Alex Nedeljkovic has assumed the role of the primary goaltender, recording 12 wins with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.18 and a save percentage of .888 over 21 games. Nedeljkovic’s performances have been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by periods of struggle.

Backup goaltender Joel Blomqvist has also seen action, securing 3 wins with a GAA of 3.60 and a save percentage of .904 over 8 games. The lack of a reliable and consistent presence in net has been detrimental, contributing to the team’s defensive struggles. Special teams’ performance has been a mixed aspect of the Penguins’ season. The power play unit, despite the offensive talents of Crosby and Rakell, has been inconsistent, failing to capitalize on crucial opportunities. Conversely, the penalty kill has been subpar, ranking near the bottom of the league. This inefficiency has often shifted the momentum in games, undermining the team’s efforts to secure victories. Injuries have also played a role in the Penguins’ struggles. Key players have missed significant time, disrupting line combinations and affecting team chemistry. The lack of depth has been exposed during these periods, with call-ups from the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins unable to fill the void left by injured regulars. As the Penguins prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights on March 7, 2025, they aim to address their defensive shortcomings and find a spark in their offensive game. The leadership of Crosby will be crucial in rallying the team, and a strong performance from Nedeljkovic could provide the stability needed to challenge the formidable Golden Knights. With the playoffs appearing increasingly out of reach, the Penguins are playing for pride and the opportunity to build momentum for the next season. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can overcome adversity and finish the season on a positive note.