Penguins clinch playoff spot with 5-2 win over Devils

April 10, 2026 - 09:21

The Pittsburgh Penguins are officially returning to the postseason. Powered by their veteran core, the team secured a playoff berth with a commanding 5-2 win against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, ending a three-year absence from the Stanley Cup chase.

The victory was orchestrated by the franchise's longtime pillars. Evgeni Malkin scored a goal and added an assist, captain Sidney Crosby set up two goals, and defenseman Kris Letang also recorded an assist. This trio, integral to the team's championship runs in 2009, 2016, and 2017, has now steered the club back to the playoffs after a rare drought.

The clinching moment halts a three-year streak of missing the postseason, which followed an incredible 16 consecutive years of playoff hockey. The win solidifies the Penguins' place in the upcoming tournament, marking a significant turnaround and re-establishing the team as a contender. The atmosphere was celebratory as the organization and its fans look ahead to the intensity of playoff hockey once again.