Penguins fan NHL journey information: Greatest 2026-27 highway journeys for Pittsburghers, Nos. 31-24

Pittsburgh Penguins followers by no means cease touring for highway video games, even when instances are grim. Last season, nevertheless, ought to present some optimism that their crew is perhaps on an sudden upswing.

Then there’s the fact that solely so a few years of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang stay, and seeing these gamers in a few of hockey’s most iconic venues absolutely appeals to a lot of you.

Every 12 months, this text receives extra suggestions from followers than another. I’m honored to be your tour information once more.

Part 2 and Part 3 of this information will come your method later this week. Will a brand new No. 1 be topped or will Montreal stay on prime?

Let’s begin on the backside and make our method from there.

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The ‘Hardcore Fans Only’ Division

31. New Jersey Devils

Positives 

• If you’re a fan of USA Hockey, you get to bask within the greatness that’s Jack Hughes, American hero.

• Manhattan is a fast practice trip away.

Negatives 

• Newark, N.J., isn’t a trip vacation spot.

• Of all of the arenas constructed within the final 20 years, the Prudential Center is my least favourite. Zero character. Sterile to the core.

• Because you’re within the larger New York space, every thing is dearer than it needs to be.

• The Penguins had their one thrilling win per decade in New Jersey final season. What are the chances of it taking place once more?

Insider tip 

Stay on the Courtyard Marriott that’s related to Prudential Center if you happen to go to. It’s the most secure, most handy solution to see a recreation in Newark, and there are many first rate spots to eat within the neighborhood.

Penguins journeys this season

• Thursday, March 18
• Saturday, April 10

Final phrase 

Though I cowl greater than 30 highway video games a 12 months, there are a few journeys I don’t precisely thoughts skipping. The two annual journeys to Newark at all times make the listing. And the final recreation of subsequent season occurs to be in Newark, so I’ll be there. Go determine. Thanks, NHL. Anyway, in search of “Sopranos” landmarks is at all times essentially the most satisfying a part of this go to. I can’t suggest it. The solely actual purpose to go is that if a visit to NYC is a part of the deal. Speaking of which …

30. New York Islanders

Positives 

• Matthew Schaefer is perhaps the closest factor to Bobby Orr we’ll ever see once more and may be very a lot definitely worth the worth of admission.

• Penguins-Islanders video games are typically very entertaining.

• UBS Arena is beautiful and an awesome place to observe a recreation.

Negatives 

• UBS Arena is actually in the course of nowhere, tough to get to, and completely remoted from human life.

• Getting to Long Island from Pittsburgh is a horrible expertise. It’s both a six-to-seven-hour drive, otherwise you get to cope with New York’s beautiful airports (LaGuardia isn’t so unhealthy anymore, not less than).

• It’s New York, so it isn’t low-cost.

• It’s simply far sufficient away from NYC to be an actual downer.

• If you park right here, put together to stroll a protracted distance to the sector or take a shuttle bus with Islanders followers, who could be unruly, if entertaining.

Insider tip 

If it’s heat while you go to, there’s a very nice space proper beside the sector that’s definitely worth the time. Food vans. Kind of a Woodstock vibe. The Islanders personal an expansive piece of property at this enviornment, so it’s a pleasant contact.

Penguins journeys this season

• Wednesday, Jan. 13
• Sunday, March 7

Final phrase

It’s higher than Newark, however I’d counsel this journey provided that you’re already going to be in New York. Otherwise, it’s quite a lot of effort for little payoff. The spotlight of the journey final 12 months was assembly my pal Hal for pizza after the morning skate. Good factor I did, as a result of I like Hal, and since there’s not a lot meals across the enviornment.

29. St. Louis Blues

Positives 

• There’s a museum underneath the Gateway Arch, and it’s fairly cool. I point out this yearly regardless that I’ve recognized about it for six years.

• Direct flights, low-cost motels.

• Tickets aren’t terribly laborious to return by.

• Excellent BBQ.

Negatives 

• The constructing isn’t a lot.

• Watching the Blues play hockey isn’t a lot.

• Downtown St. Louis isn’t nice.

Insider tip 

Stay within the suburbs. This is what the Penguins do, and everybody of their touring celebration likes this journey as a result of they don’t must cope with town.

Penguins journeys this season

Final phrase 

The folks in St. Louis are tremendous pleasant, which needs to be famous. In basic, although, some components of town can really feel unsafe at night time, the climate in December gained’t be nice, the Blues aren’t a lot to see and I’ve had some disappointing resort stays. Not a favourite journey of mine.

28. Philadelphia Flyers

Positives 

• Everyone ought to attempt the Philadelphia sports activities expertise not less than as soon as.

• Philly has some nice spots, and I notably like the world downtown across the Liberty Bell.

• Games 3 and 6 of the playoffs final season however, you’ll most likely see Sidney Crosby rating.

• Chef Vola’s, the perfect Italian restaurant in America, is a mere hour away in Atlantic City, N.J.

Negatives 

• Odds are you gained’t be handled very properly on the recreation.

• These crowds are actually not a spot for kids; I imply that sincerely.

• They badly want a brand new enviornment. It’s within the backside tier of league arenas.

• Getting there’s a ache: both an overpriced flight on dreadful American Airlines or a five-hour drive by the mountains.

Insider tip 

Have lunch within the Navy Yard space and thank me later. Some actually wonderful choices. It’s an awesome a part of town.

Penguins journeys this season

• Wednesday, Sept. 30
• Tuesday, March 30

Final phrase 

You must go as soon as in your life. It’s price it. You may not essentially take pleasure in it or wish to return, however you’ll agree that it’s an expertise. Just don’t go alone.

The ‘Bundle Up’ Division

27. Winnipeg Jets

Positives 

• Legitimate candidate for friendliest followers within the NHL.

• The constructing and ambiance are each completely great.

• The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is top-notch.

Negatives 

• The Penguins play right here in February. It’s going to be chilly. Really, actually chilly.

• Getting there’s a enormous problem and costly.

• The Jets aren’t all that thrilling to see in particular person.

• There isn’t rather a lot to do exterior of the sport.

Insider tip 

Stay on the airport Marriott, which is actually a two-minute stroll from the airport exit. It’s cheaper than staying downtown and makes your flight out a lot simpler.

Penguins journeys this season 

Final phrase 

Hockey lovers may wish to expertise it as soon as. The constructing is de facto nice. So are the folks. But I can’t actually counsel this journey for time. The journey is usually a nightmare.

26. Ottawa Senators

Positives 

• Downtown Ottawa is great, particularly for you structure lovers.

• Kanata, the place the Senators play, has constructed up significantly through the years.

• As far as Canadian markets go, it’s simple to get tickets right here.

Negatives 

• Downtown Ottawa isn’t notably near Kanata, which is an actual inconvenience.

• The Canadian Tire Centre is perhaps the worst enviornment within the league.

• Getting there isn’t nice enjoyable.

Insider tip 

Oh, I’ve a plan for you. The Penguins play right here at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Rent a automobile that morning. Go to the sport. Then drive to Montreal for New Year’s Eve. You’re welcome.

Penguins journeys this season

Final phrase 

I like this journey as a result of my youngsters are close by and it offers me time with them. Otherwise, it’s rather a lot for somebody from Pittsburgh. Getting there isn’t enjoyable, and the constructing is tough. Also, the Penguins usually play poorly there, although they did win a dramatic one in Ottawa final season. That mentioned, I stand behind my Montreal thought, and also you’ll most likely be off work for the New Year anyway.

25. Edmonton Oilers

Positives 

• Perhaps you’ve heard of Connor McDavid? Watching him play is enjoyable.

• There’s an opportunity you’ll get to see the Penguins dunk on Tristan Jarry once more.

• Downtown is walkable, the sector is sweet, and the on line casino pays nicely.

Negatives 

• I’ve by no means been colder in my life than final 12 months, when it hit minus-24 (sure, in Fahrenheit). Don’t let that nice-looking picture above idiot you.

• As with so many locations in Western Canada, getting there may be an journey, and the climate could be fairly harmful.

• There’s some enjoyable available, nevertheless it’s not a nightlife vacation spot by any stretch.

Insider tip 

Book the journey accordingly. Super Bowl Sunday is the following day, and also you don’t wish to be within the air for that.

Penguins journeys this season

Final phrase 

Edmonton has grown on me a bit through the years. Downtown is fairly cool, really. If you wish to see Crosby versus McDavid on the highway, you gained’t dislike the expertise. But this journey is significantly higher in October than in February.

The ‘Third Wheel’ Division

24. San Jose Sharks

Positives 

• Macklin Celebrini is definitely worth the admission.

• San Francisco is close by, with its spectacular eating places and pure magnificence.

• San Jose’s pure geography, with canyons and redwoods not distant, is definitely fairly cool.

Negatives 

• Very outdated, overrated enviornment.

• Unless you will have some huge cash, or the New York Times is paying on your journey, it may not be definitely worth the expense.

• No direct flights from Pittsburgh.

Insider tip 

The meals at Casino M8trix (they actually spell it that method … I do know) by the airport is de facto good. Feel free to hitch me there in making some doubtlessly unhealthy choices after the sport.

Penguins journeys this season

Final phrase 

If you’re making the California swing, the Southern California video games are at all times the spotlight. But if you happen to’re out west anyway, you may as nicely go to one of many two current buildings which have seen the Penguins win the Stanley Cup. It’s OK. Nothing particular, however a superbly benign journey.

Things are about to select up with Part 2 of this information. Don’t miss it.