Penguins Dominate Devils: Special Teams Shine in 4-1 Victory

Penguins' penalty kill and power play prove decisive in win over Metro Division rival

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:15am

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A dynamic, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, featuring overlapping planes of color and angular shapes representing the fast-paced action of a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.The Penguins' special teams prowess disrupts the Devils' rhythm, leading to a decisive victory in this fractured, cubist depiction of the NHL matchup.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins showcased their prowess in special teams, securing a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night. The Penguins' power play went 1-3, while their penalty kill was flawless, even scoring a short-handed, empty net goal. This dominance against Metro Division opponents continued, improving their record to 11-1-5.

Why it matters

The Penguins' strong special teams performance was crucial in their victory over a divisional rival. Their ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and shut down the Devils' power play was a key factor in the game's outcome. This win helps the Penguins maintain their position in the competitive Metropolitan Division standings.

The details

The Penguins opened the scoring with a power play goal in the first period, with Evgeni Malkin setting up Kris Letang for the one-timer. The Devils tied the game in the second period with a power play goal of their own, but the Penguins regained the lead in the third period with a goal from Connor Clifton. Egor Chinakhov and Blake Lizotte (short-handed) added insurance goals to seal the victory for the Penguins.

  • The Penguins' power play goal came with 2:34 left in the first period.
  • The Devils' power play goal came at 1:24 of the second period.
  • Clifton's go-ahead goal came in the third period.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who recorded two assists in the game.

Kris Letang

A defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored the team's power play goal.

Dougie Hamilton

A defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who scored their power play goal.

Connor Clifton

A defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Egor Chinakhov

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored an insurance goal in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to focus on our special teams and capitalize on our opportunities. That was the difference tonight.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

“Our power play let us down tonight. We need to be better in those situations against a team like the Penguins.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Penguins will face back-to-back games against the Rangers and Golden Knights as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

The takeaway

The Penguins' dominant special teams performance, including a strong penalty kill and timely power play goal, was the key factor in their victory over the Devils. This win showcases the Penguins' ability to win tough divisional matchups and maintain their position in the competitive Metropolitan Division standings.