Image Source: PensBurgh
Bruins vs Penguins action returns to Pittsburgh on Thursday night, with the Penguins facing one of their most demanding tests of the young NHL season. Boston enters PPG PAINTS Arena with an 11-4-1 record and 23 points, good for first place in the Atlantic Division. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is 5-8-2 with 12 points and sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern and will be televised locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and NESN. Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on ESPN+. The contest also begins an important stretch for the Penguins, who will leave home afterward for a three-game California road trip.
Bruins vs Penguins: A Critical Early-Season Test
Boston has been among the NHL’s strongest teams during the opening month. The Bruins are 9-2-1 across their last 12 games, outscoring opponents 48-27 during that span. Their latest victory came Monday, when they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in a shootout.
The Bruins have combined consistent five-on-five play with high-level goaltending. According to the PensBurgh preview, Boston ranks among the league’s top teams in expected goals for and against. The club has also produced a 65.5 percent five-on-five goal differential, with 38 goals for and only 20 against in that situation.
That production makes Boston a difficult opponent to break down. David Pastrnak remains a dangerous scoring threat, while rookie James Hagens has started to make an impact. Hagens has recorded two goals and three assists over his last five games and played a season-high 17:27 in Boston’s win over Vegas.
Boston’s Projected Lines and Key Storylines
- JJ Peterka, Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak are projected to form the top forward line.
- Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm lead a deep defensive group.
- Jeremy Swayman is expected to start in goal, with Michael DiPietro providing depth.
- Sean Kuraly could return after missing Boston’s previous game with a minor injury.
- Matthew Poitras is traveling with the team but is not expected to play.
DiPietro has also provided Boston with a reliable second option. The 27-year-old goaltender spent much of his career in the AHL before receiving a sustained NHL opportunity this season. With Swayman established as the No. 1 netminder, the Bruins appear to have unusual stability in the crease.
Penguins Await Evgeni Malkin’s Possible Return
Pittsburgh’s biggest lineup development centers on Evgeni Malkin. Comments from head coach Dan Muse indicated that the Penguins are hopeful Malkin will return Thursday after missing time. If he is cleared, either Ville Koivunen or Andrei Kuzmenko could come out of the lineup.
The projected Pittsburgh forward combinations feature Tommy Novak, Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell on the top line. Malkin is expected to center a group with Egor Chinakhov and Ben Kindel, while Ville Koivunen, Hendrix Lapierre and Justin Brazeau are projected on the third line.
Tommy Novak is another player worth watching. He has four points, including three goals and one assist, in his last five games against Boston. Novak also recorded a goal and an assist in the Penguins’ most recent meeting with the Bruins on March 8, 2026.
Sidney Crosby will also attract attention after moving past Marcel Dionne into sole possession of sixth place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list. Crosby was involved in both of Pittsburgh’s goals in the previous game, although he did not receive a point.
Defensive Concerns Could Shape the Outcome
The Penguins are expected to use the same six defensemen who played Tuesday: Sam Girard, Erik Karlsson, Spencer Stastney, Kaeden Korczak, Declan Carlile and Kris Letang. That decision has drawn criticism after recent struggles in the defensive zone.
Muse has defended Carlile when questioned about the young defenseman’s continued place in the lineup. Still, Pittsburgh will need a sharper performance against a Bruins team capable of turning small mistakes into high-quality scoring chances.
What Comes Next for Pittsburgh?
After Thursday’s matchup, the Penguins begin a demanding Western road trip through California. They visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night and then travel north to meet the San Jose Sharks next Wednesday.
That schedule makes the Bruins game especially important. A strong performance against one of the NHL’s best early-season teams could give Pittsburgh momentum before the trip. A lackluster showing, however, would increase pressure on a team already trying to climb the Metropolitan Division standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bruins vs Penguins game?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Where can fans watch Bruins vs Penguins?
The matchup will air locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and NESN. Out-of-market viewers can stream it on ESPN+.
Is Evgeni Malkin expected to play?
The Penguins are hopeful Malkin will return, but his availability remains subject to a final decision before puck drop.
Who is favored by the recent form?
Boston enters as the stronger team based on its 11-4-1 record, 9-2-1 run over its last 12 games and elite five-on-five results.
What is Pittsburgh’s next schedule challenge?
The Penguins begin a three-game California trip after this contest, visiting Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Jose.
