Pittsburgh Penguins End Playoff Drought

Veteran core leads Pens back to postseason after 3-year absence.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the energy and movement of a hockey game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.The Pittsburgh Penguins' return to the NHL playoffs is a testament to the team's resilience and the enduring talent of its veteran core.Newark Today

The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff berth, ending a three-season drought. Led by veteran stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the Penguins overcame low preseason expectations and a slow start to secure their spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a testament to the resilience of their core players and the savvy moves made by the front office. After missing the postseason the past three years, the Penguins are poised for another deep run with their experienced leadership.

The details

The Penguins got off to an 8-2-2 start in October and never looked back, despite relinquishing the Metropolitan Division lead to the Carolina Hurricanes. Key additions like Justin Brazeau, Anthony Mantha, and Egor Chinakhov have provided quality depth, while 18-year-old rookie Ben Kindel has exceeded expectations. Defenseman Erik Karlsson has also turned his game around under first-year head coach Dan Muse.

  • The Penguins clinched their playoff berth with a blowout win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Penguins last made the playoffs in the 2022 postseason, where they fell to the Washington Capitals.

The players

Sidney Crosby

Veteran center and longtime face of the Penguins franchise.

Evgeni Malkin

Skilled Russian center who has played his entire NHL career with the Penguins.

Kris Letang

Veteran defenseman who has been a key part of the Penguins' core for over a decade.

Kyle Dubas

President of hockey operations and general manager who has made savvy moves to bolster the Penguins' roster.

Dan Muse

First-year head coach who has helped turn the Penguins' season around.

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What they’re saying

“This group has been through a lot together, and they deserve another chance at the Cup.”

— Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager

What’s next

The Penguins will likely face their Keystone State rival, the Philadelphia Flyers, in the first round of the playoffs next week.

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a testament to the enduring quality of their veteran core and the shrewd management decisions that have kept them competitive. After a three-year drought, Pittsburgh's championship window remains open for another run at the Stanley Cup.