At this point in the season, confused NHL fans may find themselves asking, ‘When did the Pittsburgh Penguins get so good?’ Sidney Crosby and company have steadily held on to the top ranks of the Metropolitan Division. Despite their 1-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Penguins, with 21 points, are still just behind the top-ranked New Jersey Devils.
Not long ago, the Penguins were predicted to have another disappointing season, with many speculating that they may even land generational talent and the 2026 first overall pick, Gavin McKenna. However, surprisingly, Pittsburgh has exceeded everyone’s expectations early in this season. While it’s too soon to say whether this will culminate in a playoff appearance, it is still quite something for the team. Could coach Dan Muse finally enable the Penguins’ comeback? This star blueliner seems to believe so.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Seasoned Blueliner Erik Karlsson Endorses Dan Muse’s Coaching
In June 2025, Mike Sullivan gave up the reins of the Penguins, marking the end of a ten-year-long era. When Sullivan was at the helm, his coaching and guidance led Crosby and the rest of the team to two successful Stanley Cup conquests in 2016 and 2017. However, the rest of his tenure was forgettable.
The Penguins went astray for a while, making early exits in subsequent playoffs, and since 2022, have not qualified for the playoffs altogether. However, there is a solid chance that things will change this season, given the Penguins’ current rate of play. Is a change of coaching at the center of such development?
Defenseman Erik Karlsson, who is nearing the end of his eight-year, $92 million contract, is finally producing like everyone wants him to. In the 16 games this season, the elite d-man has already accumulated 12 points. Moreover, going into this season early, Karlsson has a very good feeling about his team.
“We feel like we’re a good team right now. Look at how we’ve put together good games, the way we’ve controlled play, the way we’ve held on to pucks. That makes you believe a little bit more. And we are starting to believe,” shared Karlsson with The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.
Central to Karlsson’s confidence is the Penguins’ coach. There is no denying that the team has an unprecedented edge to it this season. Muse has teased out the beast inside Karlsson, enabling him to perform at his usual elite level and thus contributing to the Penguins’ overall performance. “Karlsson clearly believes there is a positivity flowing between the Penguins and first-year coach Dan Muse’s coaching staff,” Yohe wrote in his recent piece.
I sat down with Erik Karlsson after the game today. He was exceptional again. And he sure likes playing for Dan Muse. Check out his comments and read about the Penguins, who are very much starting to believe in themselves: https://t.co/NnNqpBZWHD
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) November 9, 2025
Penguins had always had a decorated roster, but according to the blueliner, the individual players are finally coming together this season to form a formidable team. ” The roles are starting to slot in. You know what’s expected of you. You do the things you’re good at, and not the things that someone tells you to do, that you can’t do.”
Of course, Sullivan’s mammoth contribution to the team will never go unacknowledged. However, perhaps a coaching change was just what the Penguins needed to breathe new life into the roster and kickstart the much-awaited comeback.
