No Pucks Given | Pittsburgh Penguins Podcast

Dan Kingerski records a spur-of-the-moment late-night episode from Chicago with special guest Anthony Jardine (Original Pittsburgh Winery) right after the Penguins' dominant victory over the Blackhawks. They dive into Kris Letang's recent mistakes and the heated "hold him accountable" debate, why the team played too slow and cute in December, the lack of net-front chaos and rebound finishing, Justin Brazeau's emergence, Kyle Dubas' eye for second-chance talent, and why the kids' line needs a finisher. Plus plenty of banter about Italian beef, Billy Goat Tavern cheeseburgers, and storm-chasing road trips. #penguins #nhl #nhlhockey #nhlpodcats #pittsburghpenguinsChapters:00:00 – Intro & Setup: Late-night Chicago recording, snow storm escape, Italian beef & Billy Goat Tavern adventures01:05 – Guest intro: Anthony Jardine (Original Pittsburgh Winery) joins for banter & balance04:09 – Episode roadmap: Letang criticism, top-pairing breakdowns, kids line struggles, December slide05:29 – Kris Letang deep dive: Mistakes vs. Chicago, accountability debate, why benching/scratching won't happen06:56 – The "Big Three" nostalgia trap: Sid thriving, Geno & Letang fading, holding veterans accountable09:47 – Coaching decisions: Why coaches rarely scratch stars, team chemistry fallout, fan vs. locker-room view12:13 – Letang's recent form: Improvement over last 3 weeks, Jack Johnson-style fan overreaction14:50 – Offensive defensemen reality: Letang/Carlson pairing issues, need for actual defense late in games17:23 – Game evolution: Blurring offensive/defensive roles, why old labels don't fit anymore19:00 – December slump explained: Playing too slow, cute perimeter game, lack of urgency & tempo22:40 – Net-front & dirty-area problems: Missing rebound/trash goals, curse of close-but-no goals24:30 – Return to basics in Chicago win: Shoot-first mentality, creating chaos, Brazeau tipping & outmuscling26:22 – Justin Brazeau breakout: Soft hands, finding hidden gems, outperforming his cheap contract29:40 – Kyle Dubas philosophy: Second-chance players (Brazeau, Waterspoon, Lizotte), undervalued talent scouting32:50 – Sports science & development wins: Rutger McGroarty & Beau Akey skating gains35:20 – Draft insight: Seeing beyond hype (examples: Celebrini vs. Bedard paths)38:10 – Kids line discussion: Great chances but no finish, need a true sniper to boost Kendall/McGroarty40:50 – Quick hits: Marchessault personality fun, winery plug42:50 – Wrap-up & safe travels: Thanks to Anthony, bomb cyclone road trip send-off

Dan and Anthony go deep on Kris Letang's defensive errors (including the early giveaway vs. Chicago), why benching/scratching a veteran star like him is unlikely, the Penguins' nostalgia for the "Big Three," and whether the coaching staff owes the team tougher lineup decisions to prioritize winning over sentiment.

Dan & Anthony break down why the Penguins' December slide came from playing too slow and perimeter-heavy, the lack of crease chaos and rebound finishing, Justin Brazeau's surprising impact and soft hands, the value of Kyle Dubas' second-chance signings (Brazeau, Waterspoon, etc.), the kids line's need for a finisher, and quick hits on sports science improvements and draft philosophy.

In this edition of No Pucks Given, Dan Kingerski breaks down the big picture for the Penguins after their crucial win on Sunday, calling it a "whole reset" for the team. Now that Sidney Crosby has secured the franchise's all-time leading scorer record, the discussion shifts to the uncertain future of the core, including Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Plus, the rumor mill is churning, but the focus is on who the Penguins might trade—not who they might acquire. Tune in as Kingerski tackles trade chatter around defensemen Matt Dumba and Connor Clifton, why a Brian Rust trade would be "sky-high", and defends Coach Dan Muse against "dumb" fan demands for his firing. The episode also previews the huge game against the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.Chapters:00:00: Introduction and episode topics.03:24: Defense of Coach Dan Muse.07:12: Analysis of the Sunday win's significance.19:21: Coach Dan Muse's comments on the win.22:33: The future of the Penguins' core and generational players.26:15: Trade chatter on defensemen Matt Dumba and Connor Clifton.32:27: Discussion of Brian Rust trade rumors.36:08: Further thoughts on the core (Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang).39:05: Conclusion and looking ahead to the Toronto game.

Dan is back with the latest after the Penguins' big win Sunday and what it means moving forward. Plus, Crosby's record-setting night, why Dan Muse shouldn't be chased with pitchforks into the Allegheny! Buckle up!

Dan shares what he's hearing on the trade rumor front and closes the show with more thoughts on the current state of the Pens.

In Episode 43 of No Pucks Given, Dan Kingerski breaks down the Pittsburgh Penguins' brutal weekend collapse—squandering a four-goal lead Saturday and a three-goal edge Sunday. Hear raw locker room insight from Erik Karlsson on the team's crippling lack of confidence and "overthinking" mindset, plus Sidney Crosby's plea to "get over the hump."Dan dives into the goaltending shakeup after the Tristan Jarry trade, evaluating prospects Joel Blomqvist, Sergey Murashov, Artyom Shelyov, and incoming Stuart Skinner. Is Kyle Dubas already building for 2027-28? A no-holds-barred look at a Penguins team playing scared and searching for answers.Chapters:0:00 Intro - No Pucks Given back!0:19 Recording late after a whirlwind day0:46 Penguins blow another multi-goal lead (vs Utah 5-4 OT)1:04 Podcast topics: Blown leads, goaltending, Murashov, expectations1:48 Deep dive on blown late leads3:11 Penguins deserve way more wins than their record shows4:13 Erik Karlsson post-game locker room audio5:15 Karlsson on confidence, overthinking, and mindset6:54 Reaction to Karlsson - "Regain trust" is huge8:05 Third-period defensive collapse breakdown9:05 Goaltender interference challenge controversy10:31 Sidney Crosby post-game locker room audio10:50 Crosby on needing to close out games13:56 Reaction to Crosby - Team desperate for a lucky bounce14:01 Crosby needs a spark (1991 Penguins comparison)17:11 Why the team is deflating + loser points keeping them afloat19:50 Goaltending situation - Tristan Jarry trade breakdown22:45 How the Jarry trade clears the deck for the future25:25 Archer Shelovs recent struggles26:01 Stuart Skinner outlook and possibilities27:13 Sergei Murashov - Ready-ish but rough edges showing31:43 Murashov development dilemma: NHL lumps or AHL work?34:11 Where do the Penguins go from here?34:20 Soul-crushed team still hanging in playoff race35:13 Kyle Dubas long-term focus vs current performance37:11 Dubas building for 2027-28 more than today40:42 Closing thoughts - Penguins in a bad way41:13 Outro, producer shoutout, Kenny Pickett dig, road trip stories44:14 End

Timecode:0:19 Recording late after a whirlwind day0:46 Penguins blow another multi-goal lead (vs Utah 5-4 OT)1:04 Podcast topics: Blown leads, goaltending, Murashov, expectations1:48 Deep dive on blown late leads3:11 Penguins deserve way more wins than their record shows4:13 Erik Karlsson post-game locker room audio5:15 Karlsson on confidence, overthinking, and mindset6:54 Reaction to Karlsson - "Regain trust" is huge8:05 Third-period defensive collapse breakdown9:05 Goaltender interference challenge controversy10:31 Sidney Crosby post-game locker room audio10:50 Crosby on needing to close out games13:56 Reaction to Crosby - Team desperate for a lucky bounce14:01 Crosby needs a spark (1991 Penguins comparison)

Dan continues and talks all about the Penguins at goalie and more.Timecode:17:11 Why the team is deflating + loser points keeping them afloat19:50 Goaltending situation - Tristan Jarry trade breakdown22:45 How the Jarry trade clears the deck for the future25:25 Archer Shelovs recent struggles26:01 Stuart Skinner outlook and possibilities27:13 Sergei Murashov - Ready-ish but rough edges showing31:43 Murashov development dilemma: NHL lumps or AHL work?34:11 Where do the Penguins go from here?34:20 Soul-crushed team still hanging in playoff race35:13 Kyle Dubas long-term focus vs current performance37:11 Dubas building for 2027-28 more than today40:42 Closing thoughts - Penguins in a bad way41:13 Outro, producer shoutout, Kenny Pickett dig, road trip stories44:14 End

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a deal Friday night, shipping goaltender Tristan Jarry & forward Samuel Poulin to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for goalie Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, second-round pick in 2029. Dan gives you his unfiltered reaction and takes your questions. 

The Penguins have traded Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers and Dan Kingerski from Pittsburgh Hockey Now has instant reaction and takes your questions on the deal, the future of the Penguins and more!

Our special show continues with Dan answering more of your questions on the Jarry trade and more!

Dan Kingerski breaks down why the Penguins keep coughing up late leads (including the wild Anaheim 0.1-second goal), debates Letang-Karlsson together in crunch time, dives into real trade possibilities, and explains the growing disconnect between the locker room’s “win-now” mindset and Kyle Dubas’s longer view. Plus attendance gripes, shootout woes, and your questions answered live.

Dan runs down the latest with the Penguins on the ice as well as the locker room and takes your questions!

Dan continues to field your questions on all things Penguins!

Dan Kingerski and Vince Comunale debate keeping red-hot Tristan Jarry amid Oilers trade rumors, Erik Karlsson's resurgence, lineup decisions with returning players, and why the Penguins are poised to sneak into the playoffs in a wide-open East. Straight talk, no fluff!

Host Dan Kingerski is joined by Vince Comunale to discuss the swirling trade rumors around Tristan Jarry and make the argument why the team should NOT trade the red-hot goaltender. 

Dan and Vince continue their discussion on the state of the Penguins, it's roster and what could be next.

Dan rants about the disappearing rookies, why “play the kids” isn’t that simple, the bizarre Tristan Broz demotion, when Rutger McGroarty finally arrives, and the three painful paths Kyle Dubas now faces after the Toronto woodshed beating. Zero fluff, all fire.

What a real youth movement actually looks like: only Ben Kindel is grabbing his chance, why Harrison Brunicke & Owen Pickering are struggling, the hidden danger of “just let the kids play,” and Brian Rust’s “play like your hair’s on fire” rule.