Anatomy of a turnaround: Where the Penguins did better in 2025-26 than in 2024-25

The Pittsburgh Penguins dramatically improved their NHL standings from 2024-25 to 2025-26, jumping from 80 points (7th in division, 13th in Eastern Conference) to 98 points (2nd in division, 7th in Eastern Conference). The 18-point improvement represents a significant organizational turnaround for the franchise. The analysis, published July 20, 2026, examines the key factors behind Pittsburgh's resurgence.