Pittsburgh Penguins Clinch Stanley Cup Playoff Spot

Veteran core of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang lead the way as Penguins return to postseason for first time since 2022

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:27am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a Penguins hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and navy blue representing the players and action on the ice.The Penguins' veteran core of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang lead the team back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a four-year absence.Today in Pittsburgh

For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Led by their veteran core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, who are making history as the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American pro sports, the Penguins have returned to the playoffs under new ownership, management, and coaching.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs after a four-year absence marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which has undergone major changes in recent years including new ownership, front office leadership, and coaching. The continued success of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang also cements their legacy as one of the greatest trios in NHL history.

The details

The Penguins clinched their playoff spot with a win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. While the core trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang remains, the roster and front office have seen significant changes since the team's last playoff appearance in 2022. General manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke were relieved of their duties in 2023, and head coach Mike Sullivan was dismissed in 2025. They were replaced by Kyle Dubas and Dan Muse, respectively. Dubas has made several key acquisitions, including drafting forward Ben Kindel in the first round and signing free agents Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, who have provided important secondary scoring. The team also traded for Egor Chinakhov, who has set career highs since joining the Penguins.

  • The Penguins clinched a playoff spot with a win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The 2025-26 season marked the 20th consecutive season that Crosby, Malkin, and Letang have played as teammates, making them the longest-tenured trio in North American pro sports history.
  • Hextall and Burke were relieved of their duties in 2023, and Sullivan was dismissed as head coach in 2025.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The longtime captain and superstar center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has been with the team since being drafted first overall in 2005.

Evgeni Malkin

The skilled Russian center who has been Crosby's longtime linemate and co-star, winning multiple championships with the Penguins.

Kris Letang

The veteran defenseman who has been a key part of the Penguins' core for over a decade, winning championships alongside Crosby and Malkin.

Kyle Dubas

The new general manager of the Penguins, hired in 2023 after previously serving in the same role with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Dan Muse

The Penguins' new head coach, hired in 2025 after previous assistant coaching stints in the NHL and with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot, to be honest, having the chance to win three championships with these guys. Been through a lot on and off the ice with these two guys. As for myself, they've always been there for me. 'Geno' had his fair share of injuries, Sid had his fair share of injuries.”

— Kris Letang

“It's special, for sure, but nothing's changed. We have Sid and Tanger. We try to be the best in every practice and every game. We're the leaders of this group. Everybody looks at us first. Try to support each other, be ready to play.”

— Evgeni Malkin

What’s next

The Penguins will await their first-round playoff opponent, which will likely be either the Philadelphia Flyers or Columbus Blue Jackets. If they hold onto second place in the Metropolitan Division, they will have home-ice advantage for Games 1 and 2 of the opening round.

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs after a four-year absence is a testament to the enduring excellence of their veteran core and the shrewd moves made by new management to build a contending team around them. As Crosby, Malkin, and Letang continue to make history, the Penguins are poised for another deep postseason run.