Penguins Clinch Surprise Playoff Return

Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh back to postseason after 4-year drought

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action and rivalry of a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, with the players' movements and the energy of the competition expressed through fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Penguins and Flyers' storied rivalry is set to reignite in the NHL playoffs, as the two teams clash in a high-stakes first-round matchup.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by veteran captain Sidney Crosby, have clinched a surprise return to the NHL playoffs this season after missing the postseason for the past four years. The Penguins will face their longtime rival, the Philadelphia Flyers, in the first round.

Why it matters

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is unexpected, as the team had struggled in recent seasons and was not projected to make the postseason this year. Crosby's continued excellence has been a driving force behind the team's resurgence, showcasing his ability to lead the franchise back to contention.

The details

After missing the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, the Penguins have bounced back this year and secured a playoff berth. The team's veteran core, led by Crosby, has been instrumental in guiding the Penguins back to the postseason, despite facing doubts and low expectations from analysts and fans.

  • The Penguins clinched a playoff spot on April 12, 2026.
  • The Penguins last made the playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The captain and longtime face of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby has led the team to multiple Stanley Cup championships and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NHL.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Penguins are one of the most successful franchises in the league, having won 5 Stanley Cup championships.

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What they’re saying

“This team has never given up, even when the odds were against us. We're excited to be back in the playoffs and ready to make a run at the Cup.”

— Sidney Crosby, Captain, Pittsburgh Penguins

“No one expected us to be here, but we never doubted ourselves. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish.”

— Evgeni Malkin, Alternate Captain, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Penguins will face the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the NHL playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Penguins' return to the playoffs is a testament to the team's resilience and the continued leadership of veteran stars like Sidney Crosby. Their unexpected success this season has reinvigorated the franchise and its fanbase, setting the stage for a potentially deep playoff run.