Thomas Novak is making headlines in Pittsburgh, and for good reason. On February 27, 2026, Novak opened the scoring with a power-play goal, helping the Penguins skate to a decisive 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. With Sidney Crosby sidelined for at least four weeks due to a lower body injury, all eyes are on the team’s depth and emerging stars. Novak, who was given top billing on the lineup sheet for Thursday’s game, didn’t disappoint—he’s now riding a four-game point streak at the start of February, tallying three goals and an assist in that impressive stretch.
For the Penguins, this win over the Devils was more than just another notch in the standings. It was a statement about resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. With Crosby, the team’s longtime captain and talisman, out of commission, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff has opted for a balanced approach to distributing ice time. Novak’s recent surge couldn’t have come at a better moment. According to reports, “The Penguins are likely to take a balanced approach to distributing ice time while Sidney Crosby (lower body) is out for at least four weeks.”
Novak’s performance on Thursday was efficient and impactful. He registered two shots on goal, converting one during the man advantage to ignite the Penguins’ offense. The goal was a classic power-play marker—quick puck movement, crisp execution, and Novak finding the soft spot in the Devils’ penalty kill. It’s the kind of play coaches love to see, especially when the team is missing a key figure like Crosby.
But Novak’s contributions go deeper than a single night’s heroics. The 25-year-old forward has been quietly building a strong season. So far, he’s accumulated 12 goals and 20 assists, notching 87 shots on net and maintaining a plus-3 rating over 57 appearances. That kind of consistency is exactly what the Penguins need as they navigate a challenging period without their captain. Novak’s four-game point streak to start February—three goals and one assist—demonstrates his ability to step up when the stakes are high.
With Novak shining, the Penguins’ coaching staff is also looking to the rest of the roster for increased contributions. Ben Kindel, in particular, is expected to see a boost in ice time during Crosby’s absence. While Kindel’s numbers haven’t reached Novak’s level yet, the extra minutes could provide him with the opportunity to make a significant impact. The team’s approach is clear: spread the workload, trust the depth, and let emerging talents seize the moment.
The Penguins’ strategy appears to be working, at least for now. Thursday’s 4-1 win wasn’t just about Novak’s power-play goal—it was a complete team effort. The defense held the Devils to a single goal, while the offense capitalized on special teams and kept the pressure on throughout all three periods. The coaching staff’s decision to give Novak top billing on the lineup sheet paid immediate dividends. He responded with energy, confidence, and a key goal that set the tone for the night.
“Novak got top billing on the lineup sheet Thursday,” one report noted, “but look for Ben Kindel to also see a boost in ice time.” That’s precisely the kind of internal competition and opportunity that can keep a team afloat during tough stretches. With Crosby’s injury expected to keep him out for at least a month, every shift matters, and every player is being asked to contribute just a little bit more.
It’s not just about filling minutes, though. The Penguins are hoping that Novak’s hot streak can help spark the rest of the lineup. Over the course of the season, Novak has steadily improved his offensive numbers, and his growing confidence is evident on the ice. His 12 goals and 20 helpers in 57 games put him on pace for a career-best campaign, and his plus-3 rating speaks to his commitment on both ends of the rink.
For Novak, the opportunity to play a larger role comes at a pivotal time. With the playoffs looming and the Penguins jockeying for position in a fiercely competitive conference, every game carries extra weight. The absence of Crosby could have been a devastating blow, but instead, it’s become a rallying point for the team. Novak’s emergence as a reliable scorer and playmaker is a testament to the Penguins’ depth and development system.
The coaching staff, meanwhile, is keeping a close eye on the team’s ice time distribution. Balancing the workload across the roster is no small feat, especially with the schedule heating up and the margin for error shrinking. The plan is to ensure that no single player is overburdened, while also giving the likes of Novak and Kindel the chance to prove themselves in expanded roles.
Looking ahead, the Penguins face a critical stretch of games as they await Crosby’s return. Every point is precious, and the team’s ability to weather this storm could define their season. Novak’s current form is a major reason for optimism. His four-game point streak is the longest of his season, and if he can maintain this level of play, the Penguins may not just survive Crosby’s absence—they might actually thrive.
Of course, there are challenges ahead. The Devils, despite Thursday’s loss, remain a dangerous opponent, and the rest of the conference is loaded with talent and ambition. The Penguins will need continued contributions from their entire lineup, not just Novak and Kindel. The defense must stay sharp, the goaltending steady, and the special teams opportunistic.
Still, the mood in Pittsburgh is far from gloomy. There’s a sense of opportunity in the air—a chance for new heroes to emerge and for the team to show its resilience. Novak’s rise is symbolic of that spirit. He’s seizing his moment, and in doing so, he’s giving the Penguins and their fans plenty to cheer about.
As the Penguins continue to adjust to life without Crosby, all eyes will be on Novak and the rest of the supporting cast. Can they keep the momentum going? Will Kindel make the most of his increased ice time? And how will the team respond to the mounting pressure as the regular season winds down?
One thing’s for sure: with Novak leading the charge and the Penguins embracing a balanced, team-first approach, the next few weeks promise to be anything but dull. The action is ongoing, and Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes are very much alive.