Penguins Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Devils

Malkin, Crosby, and Letang lead Pittsburgh to crucial victory.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, gold, and crimson red, conveying the energy and movement of a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.The Penguins' veteran core of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang lead the team to a crucial playoff-clinching victory, their skill and determination captured in a fractured, cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a playoff spot with a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. Evgeni Malkin scored and had two points, while Sidney Crosby set up two goals and Kris Letang added an assist. The Penguins are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, ending a three-year drought.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a testament to the enduring leadership of veteran stars Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, who have been part of the team's three Stanley Cup championships. The team's ability to integrate new additions like Egor Chinakov and Stuart Skinner has also been crucial to their success this season.

The details

Bryan Rust opened the scoring for the Penguins, and Chinakov, Novak, and an empty-net goal from Karlsson rounded out the scoring. Skinner made 19 saves in net for Pittsburgh. U.S. Olympian Jack Hughes scored for the Devils, who announced earlier in the day that they would shut down defenseman Luke Hughes for the remainder of the season.

  • The Penguins clinched a playoff spot on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Penguins last made the playoffs in 2022, ending a three-year drought.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has been with the team since 2006 and has won three Stanley Cups.

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the best players in the NHL, having led the team to three Stanley Cup championships.

Kris Letang

A defenseman who has been with the Penguins since 2006 and has won three Stanley Cups with the team.

Egor Chinakov

A young winger acquired by the Penguins in a trade in December, who had a goal and two assists in the win over the Devils.

Stuart Skinner

The Penguins' goaltender, who was acquired in a trade in December and made 19 saves in the win over the Devils.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Penguins will host the Capitals on Saturday in the first half of a home-and-home series that could be the final two games between Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a testament to the enduring leadership of their veteran stars and their ability to integrate new talent, proving they remain a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.