The 1981–82 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their 15th in the National Hockey League. The qualified for the playoffs for the fourth straight year, but lost in the opening round to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders three games to two. This would be the Penguins last playoff appearance until 1989.

Regular season

Final standings

Record vs. opponents

Schedule and results

Playoffs

The Penguins lost in the division semi-final round (3–2) versus the New York Islanders.

Player statistics

†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

Transactions

The Penguins were involved in the following transactions during the 1981–82 season:

Trades

Additions and subtractions

Draft picks

The 1981 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 10, 1981, in Montreal.