Penguins Prioritized Shootout Drills in Training Camp
Pittsburgh aims to rectify a poor shootout record during the upcoming 2026-27 season training camp.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Hockey
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have implemented dedicated shootout practice sessions for their 2026-27 training camp to address last year's performance issues. The team recorded a 3-10 shootout record during the 2025-26 season.
Why it matters
Improving shootout success is critical for the Penguins, who led the league with 10 shootout losses last season. The coaching staff is focusing on these drills to regain lost points in the standings.
The team finished the 2025-26 season with a 3-10 shootout record, while goaltender Arturs Silovs allowed 13 goals on 22 attempts. These metrics highlight the specific defensive struggle the organization aims to correct.
The players
Tomas Galvas
He is a 20-year-old defenseman and the team's No. 54 overall draft pick who is currently competing for an NHL roster spot.
Oliver Okuliar
He is a forward acquired from the Florida Panthers to bolster the team's offensive depth for the new season.
Arturs Silovs
He is a goaltender who served as a primary option during last year's shootout sequences.
Pittsburgh Penguins
This is a professional hockey organization based in Pittsburgh that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Coaches are integrating these drills into daily practice at the team facility in Cranberry to better prepare the squad. Management is also monitoring new arrivals, including forward Oliver Okuliar and young defenseman Tomas Galvas, to determine their impact on the depth chart.
Timeline
June 13, 2026: The Penguins acquired Oliver Okuliar in a trade.
July 9, 2026: The team signed defenseman Tomas Galvas to a contract.
September 19, 2026: Date of current reports regarding training camp preparations.
2026-27 season: The projected period for competition and potential player movement.
Season Trajectory
Addressing shootout deficiencies marks a strategic shift for a team looking to secure more points in a competitive division. These drills are essential for maintaining playoff viability throughout a long season.
The outcome of these training camp sessions will directly determine if Tomas Galvas earns a spot on the NHL roster or returns to Bili Tygri Liberec in Czechia. Improved shootout efficiency could represent the difference in the final standings for the upcoming campaign.
The takeaway
Teams that struggle in specialized situations often dedicate significant training time to these mechanical fundamentals during the preseason. Consistency in these drills can prevent the accumulation of costly shootout losses as the season progresses.
Further reading
For more information on team development, visit Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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