The Penguins’ home opener wasn’t short on drama with new jerseys, a wild back-and-forth game, and one heck of a performance in net from their $26.87 million star, Tristan Jarry. Pittsburgh held off the Islanders 4-3 at PPG Paints Arena, and the crowd definitely got its money’s worth. And the moment only grew bigger when an unexpected guest made an appearance.
Can the Penguins Ride This Momentum All Season?
The energy in the building was off the charts from the start. The team celebrated the 20-year legacy of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, not something you see every day in sports. That mix of nostalgia and anticipation set the tone. Then came the action.
Tristan Jarry, who’s had his share of critics over the past year, came through when it counted. He stopped 34 shots, including several point-blank chances late in the third as the Islanders pushed hard with their goalie pulled.
Fans lit up social media with praise.
One fan noted, “I know Jarry gets a lot of hate but man did the defense have some lapses tonight and he came in CLUTCH tonight. Wouldn’t have gotten the W without him.”
I know Jarry gets a lot of hate but man did the defense have some lapses tonight and he came in CLUTCH tonight. Wouldn’t have gotten the W without him.
— Tack Back (@BackTack1087) October 10, 2025
“TRISTAN JARRY MASTERCLASS 🔥🔥,” one fan wrote.
TRISTAN JARRY MASTERCLASS 🔥🔥
— The Market Matrix (@MarketMatrixs) October 10, 2025
Another said, “Fantastic 3rd period by Tristan Jarry… got to give him credit.”
Fantastic 3rd period by Tristan Jarry got to give him credit
— Wilsonburgh (@JakeZion4) October 10, 2025
Even those who pointed out the three goals against were quick to note how many huge stops he made when the game was on the line.
I know some are going to want to focus on the 3 goals against, but damn was Jarry amazing tonight. Made a ton of huge saves. Really strong performance from him.
— Easy Tigs (@Wizard1Lord) October 10, 2025
The scoring went back and forth all night. Malkin was all over the ice, notched three assists, including a gorgeous pass in the third that set up Justin Brazeau’s go-ahead goal.
That’s five points in two games for Geno, who looks like he’s still got plenty in the tank.
Rickard Rakell and Sidney Crosby also found the net, and 19-year-old Harrison Brunicke had a moment to remember with his first NHL goal, making him the first South African-born player ever to do it. Filip Hallander picked up the primary assist, his first NHL point.
During the second period, the crowd erupted when Mario Lemieux appeared on the scoreboard. The Hall of Famer, who hasn’t exactly been a regular since the Fenway Sports Group took over, was in the building with his wife, Nathalie, and friends from Montreal.
He got a standing ovation and later made his way down to the locker room to congratulate the team. For the longtime core, it felt like a flashback to the old days.
Past.
Present.
Future. pic.twitter.com/h8M7JYpA9d— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 10, 2025
Head coach Dan Muse was quick to praise Jarry afterward, saying it felt like a “fresh start” and crediting him for battling through pressure. The defense had its shaky moments, but Jarry bailed them out more than once.
Malkin’s still threading passes like it’s 2012, and Brazeau, who now has three goals in two games, is clearly thriving next to him. As for Brunicke, he looked calm and ready, not something you always see from a teenager in front of a packed house.
With the team now 2-0 to start the season, things are clicking early. The stars are doing what they do, the young guys are contributing, and maybe most importantly, Jarry just reminded everyone what he’s capable of when he’s locked in.
