Penguins Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Devils

Malkin, Crosby, and Letang lead Pittsburgh to victory in New Jersey

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action of a hockey game, with players and the puck breaking down into sharp, overlapping planes to conceptually represent the Penguins' playoff-clinching win.A cubist interpretation of the Penguins' playoff-clinching victory over the Devils, capturing the dynamic action and veteran leadership that propelled Pittsburgh to the postseason.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a playoff spot with a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on April 9, 2026. Evgeni Malkin scored and had two points, Sidney Crosby set up two goals, and Kris Letang recorded an assist in the victory.

Why it matters

The Penguins' win secures their spot in the upcoming NHL playoffs, extending their streak of postseason appearances. This is a significant achievement for the franchise as they look to make another deep playoff run.

The details

The Penguins jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, getting goals from Malkin, Crosby, and three other players. Pittsburgh's veteran core of Malkin, Crosby, and Letang played key roles in the victory, combining for three points.

  • The game was played on April 9, 2026.
  • The Penguins clinched a playoff spot with the win.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored a goal and recorded two points in the game.

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who set up two goals in the victory.

Kris Letang

A defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who recorded an assist in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong and get this win to clinch a playoff spot. The guys really stepped up and played a great game from start to finish.”

— Sidney Crosby, Captain, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Penguins will await their playoff opponent and seeding as the regular season comes to a close.

The takeaway

The Penguins' veteran core of Malkin, Crosby, and Letang continues to lead the team to the playoffs, showcasing their championship pedigree and ability to elevate their game when it matters most.