Penguins GM Kyle Dubas sits on a goldmine of picks, prospects and pending UFAs as the deadline looms just weeks away. With cap space burning a hole and a wildcard spot in sight, he's fielding calls on vets like Acciari, Mantha and even Skinner while plotting that elusive top-nine scorer or righty D. Every front office knows Pittsburgh's rebuild is ahead of schedule, but one wrong move could derail Crosby's next Cup chase.

Pittsburgh's forwards keep defying the doubters with their hot shooting and timely production, turning heads across the league as they climb the standings. Veterans like Rust and newcomers such as Mantha grind out goals while Crosby and Malkin orchestrate from the top lines, but whispers in the front office question how long this luck holds. Coaches experiment with fresh combos to build depth, knowing a regression could expose the Penguins' defensive frailties before the trade deadline hits.

Avery Hayes keeps the magic rolling with another tally, this time roofing a slick Anthony Mantha feed in his dream debut. The chemistry sparks instantly between the call-up and vet, fueling Pittsburgh's fire. Moments like this whisper of lineup locks post-Olympics.