Rookie Kindel to Debut as Penguins and Rangers Clash in Season Opener

The 2025-26 NHL season is set to begin on October 8th, with a highly anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The game will feature a clash of coaches facing their former teams, as Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships, now coaches the Rangers, while Dan Muse, who spent the last two seasons as a Rangers assistant, makes his NHL head coaching debut with the Penguins.

The Penguins enter the season with a strong preseason performance, finishing 5-1-1 after a slow start. Rookie Ben Kindel, the team's 2025 first-round pick, has earned a spot on the opening night roster and will make his NHL debut in the season opener. The young talent on the Penguins roster has generated excitement, and Kindel's debut will be a key storyline to watch.

As the 82-game battle for a playoff spot begins, the Penguins and Rangers will both be looking to get off to a strong start and establish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The matchup of the two former assistant coaches, now leading their own teams, adds an intriguing subplot to the season opener.