Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders Game Preview October 9 2025
Dan Muse Leads Penguins to Victory Against Former Team in New York
Dan Muse celebrated his inaugural NHL victory as head coach of the Penguins with an impressive win over his former team in New York. Appointed as the 23rd head coach in the team’s history on June 4, Muse brings two decades of coaching expertise, complemented by five seasons as an assistant coach in the NHL with the New York Rangers (2023-25) and Nashville Predators (2017-20). Throughout his tenure, Muse has played a pivotal role in securing three divisional titles and two President’s Trophies.
Dan Muse’s Storied Coaching Background
A native of Canton, Massachusetts, Muse has an illustrious track record. He triumphed at the NCAA level with Yale in 2013, the USHL with Chicago in 2017, and represented Team USA to victories in the IIHF U18 in 2023 and U20 in 2013. His commitment to excellence continues to inspire both players and fans alike.
Sidney Crosby: A Legacy in Pittsburgh
The 2025-26 NHL season marks Sidney Crosby’s 21st year donning the Penguins’ black and gold, setting a franchise record for the longest tenure with the team. Joining the ranks of hockey legends like Alex Delvecchio, Stan Mikita, and Steve Yzerman, Crosby shares this milestone with Washington’s Alex Ovechkin as he starts his 21st season, too. Crosby’s remarkable achievements include being the longest-serving captain in NHL history.
| Player | Seasons with One Team |
|---|---|
| Alex Delvecchio | 24 |
| Stan Mikita | 22 |
| Steve Yzerman | 22 |
| Sidney Crosby | 21 |
| Alex Ovechkin | 21 |
Arturs Silovs: A Stellar Debut Performance
Rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs made a dazzling debut, achieving a shutout by blocking all 25 shots. As the second goalie in Penguins’ history to accomplish this feat in his debut, Silovs stands out as the third-youngest in NHL history to secure a season-opening shutout on the road.
New Talents: Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke
Tuesday night in New York was memorable for Penguins fans as rookie forward Ben Kindel and defenseman Harrison Brunicke took to the ice for their NHL debuts. Kindel, one of the franchise’s youngest players, and Brunicke made history as the third pair of teenagers to debut on the same night for the team.
- The Penguins welcomed Ben Kindel, drafted in 2025 (Round 1, 11th overall).
- Harrison Brunicke, from the 2024 draft (Round 2, 44th overall), joined the defense lineup.
As these new players embark on their professional journeys, the Penguins continue to build on their rich legacy, captivating fans with every game.
