NHL analyst breaks down why the Penguins 'deserve some love'

The 2025-26 NHL season is now at its halfway point, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are making their intentions loud and clear in the Eastern Conference.

Sunday included two goals in the late stages of the second period for the Penguins, including one in the final 14 seconds, as well as Sidney Crosby contributing to the winning overtime goal to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in Ohio.

This victory extends their winning streak to five games, turning the entire season around when, following an eight-game losing skid in December, many were questioning the direction of the team.

Malkin has not played since early December due to injury, having scored 29 points in 26 games, yet they are still performing wonderfully and deserve some love, according to NHL analyst Ryan Dixon.

Crosby, now 38, is on track to score 48 goals, and they are also 25-12 in outscoring opponents.

They are second in the league with a power play percentage of 29.7% and with a 50.04 expected goals percentage after 41 games, rated 16th overall, according to Moneypuck.

The Philadelphia Flyers have also impressed, second only to Pittsburgh with a .613 points percentage, although the emergence of the Penguins is nothing short of incredible, especially considering the hiccups they experienced at the outset of the campaign. Their power play is simply irresistible, with Crosby at the forefront.

They have more than half a season under their belts, and they're no longer pursuing a lottery pick; they're on a roll.

How high they can fly in the second half remains to be seen, but the Pens have certainly made their own place in Pennsylvania hockey this season.

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