Penguins Clinch Playoff Spot, Ending 3-Year Drought

Pittsburgh's core trio of Crosby, Malkin and Letang return to the postseason after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:07am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice reduced to angular, intersecting shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.The Penguins' return to the playoffs after a three-year drought is a testament to the team's resilience and the impact of new head coach Dan Muse.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff spot, ending their three-year postseason drought. Led by their veteran core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, the Penguins overcame an up-and-down regular season to secure a spot in the playoffs. New head coach Dan Muse has helped guide the team back to the postseason in his first year behind the bench.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a significant milestone for the franchise, which had made 16 consecutive postseason appearances before the recent drought. Pittsburgh's core trio of Crosby, Malkin and Letang are looking to make one last push for another Stanley Cup title before potentially entering the twilight of their careers.

The details

The Penguins clinched their playoff spot with a win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. After missing the playoffs the past three seasons, Pittsburgh overcame an up-and-down regular season that included an eight-game skid in December and a pair of six-game winning streaks. New head coach Dan Muse, hired from relative anonymity, has helped guide the team back to the postseason in his first year behind the bench.

  • The Penguins clinched a playoff spot on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Pittsburgh had missed the playoffs the previous three seasons.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' longtime captain and one of the best players in the NHL, Crosby is a point-per-game player for the 21st consecutive season.

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran center and key member of the Penguins' core, Malkin has played alongside Crosby and Kris Letang for 20 seasons, the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American professional sports.

Kris Letang

The Penguins' veteran defenseman has been a key part of the team's core alongside Crosby and Malkin for the past 20 seasons.

Dan Muse

The Penguins' new head coach, hired from relative anonymity after previously serving as an assistant under Peter Laviolette, has helped guide the team back to the playoffs in his first season.

Kyle Dubas

The Penguins' general manager, who hired Dan Muse, has been praised for the new coach's success in his first season.

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What they’re saying

“That's why you play — that's the best time of year. I know how hard it is. I think I understand that. We had some tough ones where it came down to the last day and didn't get in, and you don't ever know. But I thought right from camp, we've had those intentions and had that belief.”

— Sidney Crosby

“A couple weeks ago (we realized) it's really in our hands (because we) play a lot of the teams in it. We figured it was going to work itself out, and first and foremost it's about us and getting points and we've done that, so it's been good.”

— Connor Clifton, Defenseman

“He's been great: Calm there behind the bench, and he's just a really personable guy, easy to talk to away from the rink. Any time you create that atmosphere in here, it's not too tense or anything like that. I think guys are just willing to go out there and play free.”

— Justin Brazeau, Forward

“I just saw the competitive nature of the group. There's ebbs and flows in every season, but I think this group has just continued to grow. Enjoy it for a little bit, a minute, and then it's just continuing that preparation. It's a big step for the group. I'm really proud of these guys, happy for these guys, the staff, everybody involved. The players have done a great job with it throughout the year. We talked about earning things at the beginning of the year. This group earned it.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach

What’s next

The Penguins will now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they will look to make a deep run and potentially win their fourth Stanley Cup title.

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs after a three-year drought is a testament to the resilience and determination of their veteran core, as well as the impact of new head coach Dan Muse. This playoff berth gives the team and its loyal fanbase in Pittsburgh renewed hope for a potential championship run.