After a pair of games, the Pittsburgh Penguins penalty kill has been much improved from last year.

For a vast majority of the 2022-23 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins struggled on both sides of the special teams game.

Both the power play and penalty kill finished well outside of the top 10 in the NHL for success rate, and the Penguins knew that had to change.

While the power play is getting better with each passing day, the penalty kill is already off to a hot start.

Though the first two games of the season, the Penguins PK unit has held perfect through seven short handed disadvantages.

New president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas made a point to bring in numerous depth forwards that can play a mindful defensive game.

With there being so many new faces, the Penguins are still finding a rhythm with each other, but the early success of the group has been notable.

“If we get a better sound understanding of how we’re trying to play collectively as a group,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “We become more predictable for one another. I think over the course of time we’ll become more instinctive.”

New comers like Matt Nieto and Noel Acciari have gotten off to a good start defensively, and Drew O'Connor continues to grow his game in every way possible.

Even on the blue line, Ryan Graves has gotten off on the right foot with nine blocks already through two games.

Heading into training camp, Sullivan noted that the best way to have a successful power play is to not take penalties and stay out of the box as much as possible.

Despite that message, the Penguins have taken some untimely penalties already, but thanks to the stout group, they’ve haven’t cost the team anything.

The skaters are blocking shots, and Tristan Jarry has gotten off to a nice start for the year.

If the Penguins can limit the amount of unnecessary penalties taken, the PK groups should stand tall all season as one of the best in the NHL.

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