Penguins Clinch Playoff Spot with 5-2 Win Over Devils

Two quick goals in the third period seal the victory for Pittsburgh

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with the players and puck represented as overlapping planes of color in the styles of the Penguins and Devils uniforms.The Penguins' playoff-clinching victory over the Devils showcases the intensity and dynamism of professional hockey through a cubist lens.Newark Today

The Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a playoff spot on Thursday night with a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils in Newark. The game was decided by a quick flurry of goals in the third period, as Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov scored just nine seconds apart to give the Penguins a comfortable lead.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs continues their streak of postseason appearances, which is a testament to the team's consistent excellence over the past decade. For the Devils, the loss is another disappointment in what has been a frustrating season as they continue to rebuild towards contention.

The details

The Penguins broke open a close game in the third period with their quick-strike offense. Novak scored at the 7:24 mark to give Pittsburgh a 4-2 lead, and then Chinakhov found the back of the net just nine seconds later to extend the advantage to three goals. The Penguins were able to hold on from there to secure the victory and clinch a playoff spot.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Novak and Chinakhov scored their goals at the 7:24 and 7:33 marks of the third period, respectively.

The players

Tommy Novak

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored a key goal in the third period to give his team a 4-2 lead.

Egor Chinakhov

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored just nine seconds after Novak to extend the Penguins' lead to 5-2.

New Jersey Devils

The home team that was defeated by the Penguins, continuing their struggles in what has been a difficult season.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The visiting team that clinched a playoff spot with their 5-2 victory over the Devils.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong in the third period and that's exactly what we did. Those two quick goals really gave us the momentum to close this one out.”

— Tommy Novak, Penguins Forward

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs extends their streak of postseason appearances, showcasing the team's consistent excellence over the past decade. However, the loss is another disappointment for the rebuilding Devils, who continue to search for a path back to contention.