{"id":549314,"date":"2026-04-10T05:57:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T05:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/549314\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T05:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T05:57:15","slug":"penguins-clinch-playoff-berth-home-ice-for-first-round-of-postseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/549314\/","title":{"rendered":"Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth, Home Ice For First Round Of Postseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thursday was a huge day for the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only did they clinch their first playoff berth<\/a> in four years with their 5-2 road win over the New Jersey Devils, but they also secured home ice in the first round of the postseason with the Philadelphia Flyers’ loss to the Detroit Red Wings.<\/p>\n

The Penguins were well-rested from their three-day layoff after sweeping the Florida Panthers<\/a>, extending their winning streak to three games with their\u00a041st win of the season. That’s their longest winning streak since they won six straight to close out January.<\/p>\n

It was also Pittsburgh’s fifth victory in its last six games and fifth time with at least five goals during that span.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

THE PENS PUNCH THEIR TICKET \ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f<\/p>\n

The @penguins<\/a> are heading back to the #StanleyCup<\/a> Playoffs for the first time since 2021-22! \ud83d\udc27<\/p>\n

Presented by @PolymarketSport<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/45qNbXr8JO<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NHL (@NHL) April 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Five different players scored goals for the Penguins on Thursday, while Sidney Crosby notched two assists. Stuart Skinner was strong in goal, stopping\u00a019 of 21 shots.<\/p>\n

It was another well-balanced effort from Pittsburgh, which has been playing great hockey lately<\/a> and is building some nice momentum heading into the playoffs.<\/p>\n

With three relatively meaningless games remaining for the Penguins, getting their stars some rest will be a top priority over the next few days. With a postseason spot and home ice secured, Pittsburgh doesn’t have much to play for and can afford to sit some guys.<\/p>\n

With the Penguins officially playoff-bound, time will tell how far they get<\/a> in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they pursue their sixth title. In the meantime, the rest of April\u00a0just got even better<\/a> for Pittsburgh sports fans.<\/p>\n

More NHL:\u00a0Analyst Reveals Likely Starting Goalie For Penguins In Playoffs<\/a><\/p>\n