The 2005–06

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

season was the team's 39th season in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL). The season was notable for being

Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby (born August 7, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Sid the Kid" and dubb ...

's rookie campaign. However, Crosby's inaugural season did not improve the team, as they suffered another losing season, finishing last place in the Eastern Conference with 58 points, the second worst in the NHL. The Penguins failed to qualify for the

Stanley Cup playoffs The Stanley Cup playoffs () is the annual elimination tournament to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, and the league champion of the National Hockey League (NHL). The four-round, best-of-seven tournament is held after the NHL's regular s ...

for the fourth consecutive season. It would be the final season where they missed the Stanley Cup playoffs until

2023 Catastrophic natural disasters in 2023 included the Lists of 21st-century earthquakes, 5th-deadliest earthquake of the 21st century 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, striking Turkey and Syria, leaving up to 62,000 people dead; Cyclone Freddy ...

and the last season they finished with a losing record until

2025 So far, the year has seen the continuation of major armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Sudanese civil war (2023–present), Sudanese civil war, and the Gaza war. Internal crises in Bangladesh post-resignation v ...

Off-season

Regular season

The Penguins struggled defensively, finishing 30th overall in goals allowed, with 310 (excluding 6 shootout goals allowed).

Sidney Crosby

was selected first overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft by the Penguins on July 30, 2005. Due to the labour stoppage in the previous season, the 2005 draft was conducted via a weighted lottery based on each team's playoff appearances and draft lottery victories in the last four years. This lottery system led to the draft being popularly referred to as the "Sidney Crosby Lottery" or the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes". On December 16, 2005,

Michel Therrien Michel Therrien (born November 4, 1963) is a Canadians, Canadian professional ice hockey coach. (NHL). Therrien formerly coached the Montreal Canadiens, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to his coaching career, Therrie ...

named Crosby as an alternate captain for the Penguins. The move drew criticism from some hockey pundits, including Don Cherry, who claimed that Crosby had done nothing to earn the position. Crosby finished his rookie season with the franchise record in assists (63) and points (102) for a rookie, both of which had been previously held by

Mario Lemieux Mario Lemieux (; ; born October 5, 1965) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played parts of 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 1984–85 NHL season, 1984 and 2005–06 NHL se ...

. Crosby is the youngest player in the history of the NHL to score 100 points in a single season, and only the seventh rookie ever to hit the benchmark. Overall, Crosby finished sixth in the NHL scoring race and seventh in the NHL in assists. Among Canadian NHL players, he trailed only

Joe Thornton Joseph Eric Thornton (born July 2, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre. He played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). H ...

and Dany Heatley. While both Crosby and

Alexander Ovechkin Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (, ; born 17September 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "the ...

of the

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

had impressive rookie campaigns, Crosby finished second behind Ovechkin for the

Calder Memorial Trophy The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League (NHL)." It is named after Frank Calder, the first president of the NHL. Serving ...

for NHL rookie of the year. Through his first season, Crosby was accused by opposing players and coaches of taking dives and complaining to officials, which has been attributed to his youth. During his rookie campaign, he was second on his team and fourth among all NHL rookies in penalty minutes, and is the only rookie to accumulate both 100 points and 100 penalty minutes in a single season in NHL history. This magnified his reputation for complaining to NHL officials. Hockey analyst

Kelly Hrudey Kelly Hrudey (; born January 13, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who is a broadcaster with Sportsnet as a studio analyst for ''Hockey Night in Canada'' and colour commentator for Calgary Flames regional broadcasts. D ...

compared Crosby to Gretzky, who had a similar reputation as a "whiner" in his youth, and suggested that as Crosby matured, he would mellow out and his reputation would fade.

Mario Lemieux

After the lockout concluded, Lemieux returned to the ice for the 2005–06 season. Hopes for the Penguins were high due to the salary cap and revenue sharing, which enabled the team to compete in the market for several star players. Another reason for optimism was the Penguins winning the lottery for the first draft pick, enabling them to select Sidney Crosby. Lemieux opened up his home to Crosby to help the rookie settle in Pittsburgh and Lemieux also served as Crosby's mentor. On January 24, 2006, Lemieux announced his second and permanent retirement from professional hockey at age 40. This followed a half-season in which he struggled not only with the increased speed of the "new NHL" but also with yet another threatening physical ailment, a heart condition called

atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF, AFib or A-fib) is an Heart arrhythmia, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) characterized by fibrillation, rapid and irregular beating of the Atrium (heart), atrial chambers of the heart. It often begins as short periods ...

that caused him to experience irregular heartbeats. Although he had put up points at a pace that most NHL forwards would be perfectly content with (22 points in 26 games) in his last season, Lemieux still remarked, "I can no longer play at a level I was accustomed to in the past."

Season standings

Schedule and results

Preseason

, - , 1 , , September 19 , ,

, , 2–3 SO , ,

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

, ,

Nationwide Arena Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena in the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio, United States. Since completion in 2000, the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). It is one of two faci ...

, , 0–0–1 , , , - , 2 , , September 21 , ,

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

, , 5–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza , , 0–0–2 , , , - , 3 , , September 23 , ,

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

, , 3–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Visions Veterans Memorial Arena , , 0–1–2 , , , - , 4 , , September 24 , ,

, , 6–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza , , 0–2–2 , , , - , 5 , , September 25 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 , ,

, , Hersheypark Arena , , 0–3–2 , , , - , 6 , , September 27 , , Columbus Blue Jackets , , 2–7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena , , 1–3–2 , , , - , 7 , , September 29 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , , Ottawa Senators , , Corel Centre , , 1–4–2 , , , - , 8 , , September 30 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , , Washington Capitals , , Verizon Center , , 1–5–2 , , , - , 9 , , October 2 , , Washington Capitals , , 1–7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena , , 2–5–2 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Regular season

, - , 1 , , 5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–5 , ,

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...

, , Mellon Arena (18,101) , , 0–1–0 , , 0 , , , - , 2 , , 7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 SO , ,

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...

, , Mellon Arena (18,787) , , 0–1–1 , , 1 , , , - , 3 , , 8 , ,

, , 7–6 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

TD Banknorth Garden TD Garden (named the FleetCenter from opening until 2005 and TD Banknorth Garden until 2009) is a multi-purpose arena in Boston. It is located directly above the MBTA's North Station, and it replaced the original Boston Garden upon opening i ...

(17,132) , , 0–1–2 , , 2 , , , - , 4 , , 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 OT , ,

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

, , Mellon Arena (12,050) , , 0–1–3 , , 3 , , , - , 5 , , 14 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–6 OT , ,

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

, , Mellon Arena (19,566) , , 0–1–4 , , 4 , , , - , 6 , , 15 , ,

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (17,132) , , 0–2–4 , , 4 , , , - , 7 , , 20 , ,

, , 6–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (16,082) , , 0–3–4 , , 4 , , , - , 8 , , 22 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (17,565) , , 0–4–4 , , 4 , , , - , 9 , , 25 , ,

Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

, , 4–3 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (14,636) , , 0–4–5 , , 5 , , , - , 10 , , 27 , ,

Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...

, , 5–7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (14,009) , , 1–4–5 , , 7 , , , - , 11 , , 29 , ,

, , 5–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (16,420) , , 1–5–5 , , 7 , , , - , - , 12 , , 1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 OT , ,

, , Mellon Arena (10,134) , , 2–5–5 , , 9 , , , - , 13 , , 3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–1 , ,

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

, ,

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, a ...

(14,415) , , 3–5–5 , , 11 , , , - , 14 , , 5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (17,565) , , 3–6–5 , , 11 , , , - , 15 , , 7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 , ,

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

, , Mellon Arena (18,200) , , 4–6–5 , , 13 , , , - , 16 , , 9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–5 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (14,046) , , 4–7–5 , , 13 , , , - , 17 , , 10 , ,

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

, , 2–3 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (16,254) , , 5–7–5 , , 15 , , , - , 18 , , 12 , ,

, , 6–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Madison Square Garden (IV) (17,132) , , 5–8–5 , , 15 , , , - , 19 , , 14 , ,

, , 3–2 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (10,793) , , 5–8–6 , , 16 , , , - , 20 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 OT , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,687) , , 6–8–6 , , 18 , , , - , 21 , , 19 , ,

, , 6–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Wachovia Center (17,132) , , 6–9–6 , , 18 , , , - , 22 , , 22 , ,

, , 4–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Verizon Center (16,978) , , 7–9–6 , , 20 , , , - , 23 , , 25 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,124) , , 7–10–6 , , 20 , , , - , 24 , , 27 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (20,218) , , 7–11–6 , , 20 , , , - , 25 , , 29 , ,

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

HSBC Arena HSBC Arena may refer to: * Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, known as HSBC Arena from 2008 to 2017 * KeyBank Center KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midlan ...

(15,118) , , 7–12–6 , , 20 , , , - , - , 26 , , 1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–2 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,200) , , 7–13–6 , , 20 , , , - , 27 , , 3 , ,

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Pengrowth Saddledome (16,626) , , 7–14–6 , , 20 , , , - , 28 , , 8 , ,

Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...

, , 5–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Xcel Energy Center Xcel Energy Center is a multipurpose arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Completed in 2000 and often called "The X" by fans, it is named for its locally based corporate sponsor Xcel Energy. With an official capacity of 17,954, the arena ...

(14,627) , , 7–15–6 , , 20 , , , - , 29 , , 10 , ,

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...

, , 3–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (16,677) , , 8–15–6 , , 22 , , , - , 30 , , 12 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–3 , ,

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , Mellon Arena (20,066) , , 8–16–6 , , 22 , , , - , 31 , , 13 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–3 , ,

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

, , Mellon Arena (14,336) , , 8–17–6 , , 22 , , , - , 32 , , 16 , ,

, , 4–3 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

(16,648) , , 8–17–7 , , 23 , , , - , 33 , , 17 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,690) , , 8–18–7 , , 23 , , , - , 34 , , 23 , ,

, , 5–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Wachovia Center (17,132) , , 8–19–7 , , 23 , , , - , 35 , , 27 , ,

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

, , 3–2 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...

(17,132) , , 8–19–8 , , 24 , , , - , 36 , , 29 , ,

, , 2–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Izod Center Meadowlands Arena (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena and Izod Center) is a closed indoor sports and concert venue located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Since closing, ...

(17,132) , , 9–19–8 , , 26 , , , - , 37 , , 31 , ,

, , 3–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Madison Square Garden (IV) (17,132) , , 10–19–8 , , 28 , , , - , - , 38 , , 2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 OT , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,449) , , 10–19–9 , , 29 , , , - , 39 , , 3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (21,273) , , 11–19–9 , , 31 , , , - , 40 , , 6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (17,209) , , 11–20–9 , , 31 , , , - , 41 , , 7 , ,

, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Philips Arena State Farm Arena is a Multi-purpose stadium, multi-purpose arena located in Atlanta, Georgia. The arena serves as the home venue for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It also served as home to the Atlanta Thrasher ...

(17,132) , , 11–21–9 , , 31 , , , - , 42 , , 10 , ,

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Rexall Place Northlands Coliseum is a defunct indoor arena in Edmonton, Alberta. It was used for sports events and concerts, and was home to the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and National Hockey League (NHL), and the Edmonton Oil Kin ...

(14,905) , , 11–22–9 , , 31 , , , - , 43 , , 11 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,136) , , 11–23–9 , , 31 , , , - , 44 , , 13 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , ,

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

, , Mellon Arena (20,541) , , 11–24–9 , , 31 , , , - , 45 , , 15 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 , ,

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...

, , Mellon Arena (17,113) , , 11–25–9 , , 31 , , , - , 46 , , 16 , ,

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

, , 4–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (15,681) , , 11–26–9 , , 31 , , , - , 47 , , 19 , ,

, , 4–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Madison Square Garden (IV) (14,272) , , 11–27–9 , , 31 , , , - , 48 , , 21 , ,

, , 2–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Wachovia Center (17,132) , , 11–28–9 , , 31 , , , - , 49 , , 23 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,726) , , 11–29–9 , , 31 , , , - , 50 , , 25 , ,

, , 1–8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Verizon Center (14,415) , , 12–29–9 , , 33 , , , - , 51 , , 26 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 SO , ,

, ,

(16,362) , , 12–29–10 , , 34 , , , - , 52 , , 28 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–7 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,200) , , 12–30–10 , , 34 , , , - , - , 53 , , 1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–3 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,200) , , 12–31–10 , , 34 , , , - , 54 , , 2 , ,

, , 7–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Corel Centre (14,714) , , 12–32–10 , , 34 , , , - , 55 , , 4 , ,

, , 5–4 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (11,218) , , 12–32–11 , , 35 , , , - , 56 , , 6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–5 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,877) , , 12–33–11 , , 35 , , , - , 57 , , 8 , ,

, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

(15,603) , , 12–34–11 , , 35 , , , - , 58 , , 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,830) , , 13–34–11 , , 37 , , , - , 59 , , 11 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–3 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (18,277) , , 14–34–11 , , 39 , , , - , - , 60 , , 1 , ,

, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Corel Centre (14,026) , , 14–35–11 , , 39 , , , - , 61 , , 4 , ,

, , 7–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

RBC Center RBC may refer to: Media and arts * Radio Beijing Corporation, a family of municipal radio stations in Beijing, China * RBC Ministries, now Our Daily Bread Ministries, a Christian media outlet in Grand Rapids, Michigan * RBC Radio, the former na ...

(16,293) , , 14–36–11 , , 39 , , , - , 62 , , 7 , ,

, , 5–4 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , St. Pete Times Forum (15,048) , , 14–36–12 , , 40 , , , - , 63 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (14,374) , , 14–37–12 , , 40 , , , - , 64 , , 11 , ,

, , 3–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

(16,061) , , 15–37–12 , , 42 , , , - , 65 , , 12 , ,

, , 0–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Wachovia Center (14,904) , , 16–37–12 , , 44 , , , - , 66 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–2 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (11,513) , , 16–38–12 , , 44 , , , - , 67 , , 18 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (21,273) , , 17–38–12 , , 46 , , , - , 68 , , 19 , ,

, , 1–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

(15,174) , , 17–39–12 , , 46 , , , - , 69 , , 21 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–5 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,360) , , 17–40–12 , , 46 , , , - , 70 , , 24 , ,

, , 3–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (11,286) , , 18–40–12 , , 48 , , , - , 71 , , 26 , ,

, , 6–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

Bell Centre Bell Centre (French: ''Centre Bell)'', formerly known as Molson Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), ...

(14,807) , , 18–41–12 , , 48 , , , - , 72 , , 29 , ,

, , 5–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

BankAtlantic Center Amerant Bank Arena (previously known as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena) is an indoor arena in Sunrise, Florida, United States. It is the home venue for the Florida Panth ...

(14,024) , , 18–42–12 , , 48 , , , - , 73 , , 31 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–0 , ,

, ,

(15,210) , , 19–42–12 , , 50 , , , - , - , 74 , , 2 , ,

, , 3–2 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,

(14,427) , , 19–42–13 , , 51 , , , - , 75 , , 5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–6 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (13,118) , , 19–43–13 , , 51 , , , - , 76 , , 7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–1 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (14,776) , , 20–43–13 , , 53 , , , - , 77 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–1 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (20,844) , , 20–44–13 , , 53 , , , - , 78 , , 11 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,756) , , 20–45–13 , , 53 , , , - , 79 , , 13 , ,

, , 3–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Madison Square Garden (IV) (15,155) , , 21–45–13 , , 55 , , , - , 80 , , 15 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 SO , ,

, ,

(17,084) , , 21–45–14 , , 56 , , , - , 81 , , 17 , ,

, , 1–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Mellon Arena (12,282) , , 22–45–14 , , 58 , , , - , 82 , , 18 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–5 , ,

, , Mellon Arena (19,392) , , 22–46–14 , , 58 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

;Skaters ;Goaltenders ^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Penguins. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.
^‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.

Awards and records

Awards

Records

set the franchise record for most assists (63) and points (102) as a rookie. He broke the previous records of 57 and 100 respectively set by

in 1985.

Milestones

* Sidney Crosby played his first professional NHL game on October 5, 2005, against the

, and registered an assist on the team's first goal of the season, scored by

Mark Recchi Mark Louis Recchi (; born February 1, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, and he played f ...

in a 5–1 loss. * November 11, 2005 –

beat Jose Theodore of the

to win his first career

shootout A shootout, also called a firefight, gunfight, or gun battle, is a confrontation in which parties armed with firearms exchange gunfire. The term can be used to describe any such fight, though it is typically used in a non-military context or to ...

. * November 11, 2005-

scores his seventh goal of the season, and the last of his career. * November 22, 2005 – Sidney Crosby and

face each other for the first time. * March 12, 2006 – Marc-Andre Fleury gets a shutout by stopping 22 shots against the

. * March 29, 2006 –

John LeClair John Clark LeClair (born July 5, 1969) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins from 1991 to 2006. W ...

scores the 400th goal of his career. * January 24, 2006 – Mario Lemieux announces his retirement. * April 13, 2006 – Sidney Crosby scores four points in one game, including his 90th point of the season. * April 17, 2006 – Sidney Crosby becomes the youngest player to score 100 points in one season.

Transactions

The Penguins were involved in the following transactions from February 17, 2005, the day after the

2004–05 NHL season The 2004–05 NHL season would have been the National Hockey League's 88th season of play. The entire 1,230-game schedule, that was set to begin in October, was officially canceled on February 16, 2005, due to an unresolved lockout that began ...

was officially cancelled, through June 19, 2006, the day of the deciding game of the

2006 Stanley Cup Finals The 2006 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2005–06 season, and the culmination of the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs. The first Stanley Cup Finals since 2004 after a lockout canceled the entirety ...

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Other

Draft picks

Pittsburgh's draft picks at the 2005 NHL entry draft held at the Westin Hotel in

Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...

Ontario Ontario is the southernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Located in Central Canada, Ontario is the Population of Canada by province and territory, country's most populous province. As of the 2021 Canadian census, it ...

Notes

References

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:2005-06 Pittsburgh Penguins season Pitts Pittsburgh Penguins seasons Pitts Pitts