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Ben Kindel joins elite company in Penguins history after latest goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning
Photo credit: The New York Times
Ben Kindel's fourth PPG of the year put him in some pretty elite company in Penguins history, joining the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr and Jordan Staal for most PPGs by an 18 year old.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a much better start this year than just about any analyst or fan would have given them credit for, and they're restoring some hope in the Steel City that they could experience playoff hockey for the first time since 2022.
Not only are they getting great contributions from noteworthy players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin amidst their hot start, but rookie Ben Kindel, who wasn't even born when both Crosby and Malkin entered the NHL, is also making an impact for them.
Kindel scored for the Penguins during tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and joined some elite company in Penguins history.
Per Penguins PR on X, Kindel's four PP goals this year as an 18 year old trail only Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal and Jaromir Jagr in team history.
Ben Kindel leads all NHL rookies with four power-play goals this season, while his seven total tallies are the third most.
Only Sidney Crosby (39), Jordan Staal (29) and Jaromir Jagr (18) scored more goals as an 18-year old than Kindel's seven in Penguins history.
Only Sidney Crosby (39), Jordan Staal (29) and Jaromir Jagr (18) scored more goals as an 18-year old than Kindel's seven in Penguins history.
Another Penguins rookie made an impact for them against the Lightning, as Ville Koivunen scored his first NHL goal.
The Penguins Took Ben Kindel In The First Round Of The 2025 NHL Entry Draft
Kindel is still a rookie, as he was taken with the 11th overall pick by the Penguins in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
He became the fifth-youngest player in franchise history to make his NHL debut when he hit the ice at PPG Paints Arena in October against the New York Rangers.
Before making his NHL debut, Kindel played three seasons for the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 62 ANSWERS Ben Kindel joins elite company in Penguins history after latest goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning Will Ben Kindel be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 79 % |
| No | 13 | 21 % |
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