NHL Opening Night: Penguins Face Rangers with Injury Updates

PITTSBURGH, PA — The 2025-26 NHL regular season kicked off with the Pittsburgh Penguins facing off against the New York Rangers tonight at 8 p.m. ET. The Penguins are looking to settle into a new era under first-year head coach Dan Muse, aiming to start strong against a familiar rival.

The Penguins’ projected lineup features stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, along with newcomer Ville Koivunen. Meanwhile, the Rangers will come equipped with their own star power, including Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin.

Injury updates reveal several key players may miss the game. For the Penguins, Kevin Hayes and Rutger McGroarty are sidelined with upper body injuries, while Bryan Rust is also out with a lower body issue. On the Rangers’ side, no players are reported injured, providing them a full roster for the match.

Both teams are entering the game with high expectations. The Penguins struggled against the Rangers last season, with Crosby managing just one point in four matchups. The team’s performance will rely heavily on the adaptability of the veterans under Muse’s new system.

According to Penguins coach Muse, the focus will be on improving puck possession and reducing dump-and-chase plays. “It’s crucial we start the season off right, especially against a team like the Rangers,” Muse said.

Meanwhile, goaltenders Tristan Jarry and new acquisition Arturs Silovs are set to compete for starting duties. Jarry must reclaim his form after two inconsistent seasons, while Silovs has been impressive during his time in the AHL.

The rivalry and anticipation surrounding tonight’s game add an extra layer of excitement as these teams aim for a successful start to the season. Puck drop is just hours away.