Penguins Host Kraken on Healthcare Heroes Night Amid Historic Milestones

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Penguins concluded their five-game homestand Tuesday night with a matchup against the Seattle Kraken at PPG Paints Arena. The game, which began at 7 p.m. ET, was broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and ESPN+, with radio coverage on 105.9 the X and the Penguins app. The event also marked Healthcare Heroes Night, a collaboration with UPMC to honor healthcare workers.

The Penguins entered the game with a record of 18-19-8, while the Kraken stood at 18-23-3. Pittsburgh has dominated recent matchups against Western Conference opponents, winning five of their last six games. The team also holds a 1-1-1 all-time record against Seattle at PPG Paints Arena.

Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ captain, was on the verge of multiple historic milestones. He needed just two points to reach 50 for the season, which would mark his 18th season achieving the feat. Crosby is also one goal away from surpassing Bobby Hull for the sixth-most goals with one franchise in NHL history and one assist shy of passing Marcel Dionne for 11th place on the all-time assists list.

Rickard Rakell has been a standout performer for the Penguins, leading the team with 22 goals this season. Among Swedish-born players, only William Nylander (24 goals) has scored more. Rakell has been particularly effective at even strength, with 18 of his goals coming in such situations, tying him for fourth in the league.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson has also been a key contributor, recording 19 points (2 goals, 17 assists) over his last 22 games. Meanwhile, Kevin Hayes has found his scoring touch since rejoining the lineup on Jan. 3, netting three goals in six games.

The Penguins’ power play has been effective recently, scoring in eight of their last 10 games. Forward Michael Bunting has a strong track record against the Kraken, with six points in six career games. Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is also nearing a personal milestone, needing one assist to match his career high of 22.

In a nod to the franchise’s rich history, the game featured a matchup between Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan and former coach Dan Bylsma, who both led the team to Stanley Cup victories during the Sidney Crosby era. The Penguins also celebrated their quarter-century first and second teams, with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang among the honorees.

As the Penguins look to build momentum, their prospect system remains a work in progress. According to recent rankings, the team has just three prospects projected as middle-of-the-lineup players, highlighting the need for continued development.