So, you’re looking for the score. It happens to the best of us—you step away for a minute, or maybe life just got in the way, and suddenly you’re scrambling to find out if the Pittsburgh Penguins actually pulled it off.
The short answer? The Pittsburgh Penguins lost their most recent game 4-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a shootout. This game went down yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena.
Honestly, it was one of those games that leaves fans feeling kinda robbed. If you follow the Pens, you know the script: high drama, a late-game surge, and then that frustrating coin-flip of a shootout where things just didn't go their way.
Pittsburgh Penguins Score: A Heartbreaker at Home
The final tally of 4-3 tells part of the story, but the "SO" (shootout) next to it is the real kicker. The Penguins actually looked like they might steal this one late. Sidney Crosby, doing exactly what Sidney Crosby does, buried a goal with just 1:01 left on the clock in the third period. That tied it up at 3-3 and sent the home crowd into a total frenzy.
But then came the shootout. Charlie Coyle, who has been a thorn in everyone's side lately, ended up being the hero for Columbus. He scored the winner in the skill competition to give the Blue Jackets their fourth straight win.
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For the Penguins, this loss is part of a rough patch. They've dropped four of their last five games. Coach Dan Muse mentioned afterward that the team is basically losing points they can’t afford to lose, especially since they are now 1-7 in shootouts this season. That is... not a great stat.
Scoring Breakdown
If you missed the play-by-play, here is the rough flow of how the goals went in:
- First Period: Zach Aston-Reese (a former Penguin, because of course) put Columbus up 1-0 early. Connor Clifton tied it for Pittsburgh, and then Rickard Rakell gave the Pens a 2-1 lead before the first intermission.
- Second Period: Columbus took over. Kirill Marchenko tied it up, and then Danton Heinen (another former Penguin!) put the Jackets ahead 3-2.
- Third Period: A whole lot of tension until Crosby’s heroics at the very end.
- Shootout: Coyle and Kent Johnson scored for Columbus. The Pens couldn't beat Elvis Merzlikins enough to keep it alive.
Why the "What Is the Score of the Penguins Hockey Game" Search Matters Right Now
People aren't just checking the score because they're curious; the standings in the Metropolitan Division are tighter than a drum. As of today, January 18, 2026, the Penguins are sitting at 22-14-11.
That "11" in the overtime/shootout loss column is the biggest problem. Those are "loser points," and while they keep you afloat, they don't help you climb over teams like the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Islanders.
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The Penguins are currently third in the division with 55 points. They’re ahead of the Washington Capitals by just a single point. Every time you search for the score, you're looking at a team that is fighting to stay out of the wildcard scrap.
The Milestone You Might Have Missed
Even in a loss, Sidney Crosby found a way to make history. With his goal and assist yesterday, he tied Gordie Howe for fifth place on the NHL’s all-time multi-point games list (511 games). It’s almost easy to take it for granted because he's been doing it for twenty years, but the guy is still carrying the offense.
He’s currently leading the team with 25 goals and 51 points. Erik Karlsson is right there behind him with 29 assists, but the secondary scoring has been sort of hit-or-miss lately.
The Injury Bug
It's worth noting that the lineup hasn't been 100%. Erik Karlsson has been dealing with a lower-body injury, though he's been trying to play through the thick of it. When your top puck-moving defenseman is slowed down, the transition game suffers. You’ve probably noticed the power play looking a little stagnant at times—that’s usually why.
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What’s Next for the Pens?
There isn't much time to mope. The Penguins are headed out on a Western Canada road trip, and it starts fast.
- Monday, Jan 19: At Seattle Kraken (2:00 PM PST)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: At Calgary Flames (6:30 PM PST)
- Thursday, Jan 22: At Edmonton Oilers (6:00 PM PST)
That game against Edmonton is going to be the big one. Watching Crosby go up against McDavid is always the highlight of the season, even if the Oilers are currently a powerhouse.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the team closely over the next week, keep an eye on the goaltending rotation. Arturs Silovs has been getting a lot of looks lately, especially with Tristan Jarry's consistency being up and down. Silovs is actually set to represent Latvia in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, so he’s playing for a lot of pride right now.
Also, watch the trade acquisition Egor Chinakhov. He’s still settling in after coming over from Columbus in that trade for Danton Heinen. He’s got a massive shot, and the coaching staff is trying to find the right line to maximize his speed.
Keep an eye on the "starts" for the Seattle game tomorrow. With a 2:00 PM PST puck drop, it’s an afternoon game, which usually means a weird energy. If the Penguins can’t fix their shootout woes, they’re going to need to start winning these games in regulation.
Next Step: Check the starting goalie announcement tomorrow morning around 11:00 AM EST to see if Silovs or Jarry gets the nod for the Seattle game.