Penguins Rookie Sends Bold Message After Playoff Exit

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Penguins Rookie Sends Bold Message After Playoff Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Smith | Last updated May 2, 2026 9:30 AM ET

Entering the 2025/26 NHL season, not many fans or analysts gave the Pittsburgh Penguins much of a chance with their ageing core and lack of emerging stars. However, from the moment the regular season began, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin all turned the clock back in what may have been their final season together.

As a result, the team finished the year with a record of 41-25-16, finishing second in the Metropolitan Division, leading them to a matchup with the Pennsylvania rival Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This past Wednesday, the Penguins were officially eliminated in that series, with a Cam York overtime winner leading the Flyers onto the second round on the back of a 4-2 series victory.

In that heartbreaking Game 6 loss, it was rookie Ben Kindel who made the mistake that ultimately led to the winner, as he iced the puck and then lost the face-off that finished an incredible rookie campaign on a very sour note.

Apr 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images

While nobody on the outside was blaming Kindel for the play, he clearly took it to heart, as he expressed his disappointment in himself after the game. However, he's clearly using this as motivation, as he came out with a bold declaration following the loss, according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe.

"I'm still sick to my stomach. I'll do everything in my power to never let it happen again," Kindel said.

Ben Kindel on the last shift of the season: “I’m still sick to my stomach. I’ll do everything in my power to never let it happen again.”
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) May 1, 2026

The rookie center may feel that this loss falls on his shoulders, but given what a whirlwind the last 12 months have been for the former No. 11 overall draft pick, it's great to see him react with motivation, rather than disappointment. In 77 games this season, Kindel tallied an impressive 17 goals and 35 points, and as the Penguins' 3C, he established himself as a key piece of a future beyond the veteran group of stars.

Only time will tell how good Kindel can turn out in Pittsburgh. He's said and done all the right things in 2025-26, and given how he's reacted to what could have been a heartbreaking, career-derailing moment, Penguins fans and the organization must be excited for the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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