NEWARK — The Pittsburgh Penguins will return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a victory over the New Jersey Devils.
This is the first time the team has made the postseason since 2022.
The Penguins beat the Devils 5-2 at the Prudential Center.
Needing a win to clinch the playoff spot, the Pens and Devils were tied 1-1 in the second when the offense exploded for two quick goals.
Tommy Novak got his 16th of the season, and just nine seconds later, Egor Chinakhov lit the lamp.
The Philadelphia Flyers lost on Thursday, which means the Penguins will have home ice advantage at least for the first round of the playoffs.
They will face whichever team finishes in third.
Right now, four teams are battling for that spot. The Flyers, the Islanders, the Blue Jacks and the Capitals.
The Penguins play back-to-back games with the Capitals this weekend.
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